Innovation
We provide a specialist exercise support programme for individuals who have suffered a stroke or suffer from other neurological conditions. Following training, we allocate physiotherapy students to neurological patients to support them with their rehabilitation needs in a supervised setting. The project is run through the charity Action After Stroke which currently pays for accessing the private gym (the old gym) and a fitness instructor at the University of Birmingham. The current project runs for two sessions on a Wednesday afternoon (13.15-14.00 & 14.00-14.45). Physiotherapy students in the second and final year of their physiotherapy degree program are allocated (either one-to-one or two-to-one) to a neurological patient. First year students are assigned to a second or third year in addition to this.
What prompted innovation?
I developed the charity Action After Stroke whilst studying for a PhD at the University of Exeter. The basic principles used as part of my PhD were developed for the purposes of specialist rehabilitation utilising physiotherapy students.
What makes innovation different?
- It provides a longer term option for care for neurological patients in a very cost effective way.
- It provides specialist skills for students through training and allows them to develop specific skills.
- Students develop confidence from the semi-autonomous, assessment free environment and are able to learn from, and educate peer by sharing information in order to work with a patient.
- Finally, and perhaps most importantly patients received personalised care over a longer period in order to aid their confidence.
Changes in practice
Not yet, it has great potential, if we get funding for next term, we will be associated with local NHS trusts in order to provide a longer more personalised journey for patients (see Soundy et al., 2013).
Impact
- We have very positive responses from students using surveys across two time periods.
- We have similar very positive responses from patients using similar means.
- We have one publication (Soundy et al., 2013) that has been generated and others due to be published which emphasise the benefits.
Dissemination
- We have produced one publication (Soundy et al., 2013) and are developing more.
- We have disseminated within our organisation and to local trusts and supporting charities.
Reference:
Soundy A, Coffee P, Anderson C, Stirling S. (2013). The feasibility of a community-university based physiotherapy programme for stroke patients for student learning and patient care. Accessed from MedEdWorld Publish; http://www.mededworld.org/MedEdWorld-Papers.aspx