Abstract
Background This study aims to investigate the impact of multidisciplinary Saturday rehabilitation (MSR) on length of stay, functional independence, gait and balance when compared to a 6-day physiotherapy-only service in a pragmatic setting. An economic evaluation of the intervention conducted from the perspective of the healthcare provider is included.Methods A prospective cohort study with a historical control was conducted in an Australian private mixed rehabilitation unit to compare a multidisciplinary and physiotherapy-only 6-day rehabilitation service. Clinical outcomes included the Functional Independence Measure (Motor, Cognitive, Total), gait speed (10 Meter Walk test) and five balance measures (Timed Up and Go test, Step test, Functional Reach, Feet Together Eyes Closed and the Balance Outcome Measure of Elder Rehabilitation). Economic outcomes were rehabilitation unit length of stay and additional treatment costs.Results A total of 366 patients were admitted to the rehabilitation unit over two 20-week periods. The prospective cohort (MSR) had 192 participants and the historical control group (physiotherapy Saturday rehabilitation) had 174 participants). Participants in the historical control group had lower total and cognitive Functional Independence Measure scores (p < 0.078), and generally performed at a lower level on admission gait and balance measures compared to the prospective cohort. More participants in the prospective cohort attended weekend therapy, attending more sessions and spending more time in therapy compared to those in the historical control group (p < 0.012). After controlling for differences in admission Functional Independence Measure scores, length of stay was reduced by 1.39 ± 0.77 days. The economic evaluation estimated cost savings of $1,536 per patient. The largest savings were attributed to neurological patients $4,854. Traumatic and elective orthopaedic patients realised cost savings per admission of $2,668 and $2,180, respectively.Conclusions Implementation of MSR results in a more efficient service, enabling a greater amount of therapy to be provided over a shorter length of stay. The provision of a multi-disciplinary Saturday rehabilitation is potentially cost reducing for the treating hospital.Trial registration not applicable.