European Respiratory Journal | 2019
Families perception of a rapid response community respiratory physiotherapy team
Abstract
Background: A rapid response physiotherapy service for children with complex neurodisability was established in 2010. Due its success in reducing AE attendance, hospital admissions and length of stay the service was continued. Aim: To assess the parent and patient experience including school attendance of the service. Method: Parents were given the ‘care measure questionnaire’ - 10 questions, in July 2014 and July 2016. Each question was rated DNA/excellent/very good/good/fair/poor- the median response for each question was noted. The average School attendance was recorded for all children on the caseload for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. Results: 49 and 45 families completed questionnaires in summer 2014 and 2016 respectively. How was the therapist at 1)Making you feel at ease- excellent 43/49 (2014) and 40/45 (2016) 2)Letting you tell your story -excellent 43/49(2014) and 39/45 (2016) 3)Really listening- Excellent 42/49 (2014) and 41/45(2016) 4)Being interested in you as a whole person- 42/49 (2014) and 40/45 (2016). 5)Fully understanding your concerns 45/49 (2014) and 41/45(2016) 6)Showing care and compassion 45/49 (2014) and 41/45 (2016) 7)Being positive 41/49 (2014) and 41/45 (2016) 8)Explaining things clearly 41/49(2014) and 41/45 (2016) 9)Helping you take control 38/49 (2014) and 39/45 (2016) 10)Making a plan of action 39/49 (2014) and 38/45 (2016). Average % school attendance was 87.6(2015),89(2016) and 86(2017). Conclusion: The rapid response service has an excellent response on the ‘care measure questionnaire’ which is sustained and despite the complexity of the children facilitates a good school attendance which parents/cares have reported is an important outcome.