Evaluation of the Advanced Therapy Practice in shoulder consultations
The outpatient shoulder consultation at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology was recorded and analysed by observing the activities of the specialised physiotherapy team.
Factsheet
- Lead school School of Health Professions
- Institute(s) Academic-Practice-Partnership Insel Gruppe/ BFH
- Funding organisation Others
- Duration (planned) 01.09.2022 - 30.06.2024
- Project management Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Schmitt
- Head of project Dr. Anja Raab
- Project staff Bettina Haupt-Bertschy
- Partner Insel Gruppe AG
- Keywords Advanced Therapy Practice, Shoulder consultation, Physiotherapy
Situation
As part of the treatment at the University Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, patients are also treated by a specialised physiotherapist team (ATP) in the outpatient shoulder consultation. The aim was to evaluate the care structure of this ATP service. The benefits of the service should be analysed inside and outside the clinic by recording the physiotherapy activities, asking about the patients' needs and the experiences of the different healthcare professionals involved.
Course of action
A total of 17 structured observations were carried out in the period from 1st to 28th of February 2023. All five physiotherapists from the shoulder consultation team were observed during their work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 patients, 5 physiotherapists and 3 physicians from the shoulder consultation service in the period from 20th of February to 26th of April 2023.
Result
The ATP shoulder consultation service is unique in Switzerland. The statements from the patients, physiotherapists and doctors illustrate the added value of offering patients planned, close support following shoulder or elbow surgery. Physiotherapists and doctors working in shoulder consultations require a high level of expertise, presentation skills, communication, social skills (empathy, teamwork, loyalty) and leadership skills. Physiotherapists find their work in the shoulder consultation very rewarding. Patients find the shoulder consultation service very good. The structured process and the high level of motivation of the doctors and physiotherapists involved are seen as a major advantage. Patients appreciate the well-planned, close-knit support following shoulder or elbow surgery. It gives them a sense of security and a platform for asking questions. It is particularly important for patients to have a contact person. The shoulder consultation team is seen by patients as very experienced and with a high level of expertise and professionalism. The good interdisciplinary collaboration between doctors and physiotherapists and their joint appearance as a team was particularly emphasised.
