Researchers assess new approach to post-operative care With increasing evidence around the benefits of Northern Sydney Local Health District Professor Jim Elliott has welcomed the chance to
physiotherapy after surgery, a project is set to get underway examining new ways to extend the support. The BOOST project will investigate how hospitals can deliver more frequent exercise programs for patients with hip fracture, through an innovative model of care involving physiotherapists and other healthcare workers. The program will be led by the University of Sydney’s A/Professor Alison Harmer and Clinical Lecturer and physiotherapist Marie March, and will be trialled in the Northern Sydney and Western Sydney local health districts.
be involved in the project, which he hopes may extend post-operative care. “We know there are wide ranging benefits of more intensive physiotherapy after surgery, from improved patient mobility to shorter hospital stays,” he said. “The lack of availability of physiotherapists in many hospitals means this can’t always be delivered adequately and in a timely fashion.” The research team will be looking at how the existing non-physiotherapy workforce can be trained to deliver high-quality post-operative exercise for patients with hip fracture. This approach will be evaluated using a variety of methods, including patient outcomes, cost and patient-
Professor Jim Elliott
reported experience “We are looking forward to the collaborative project and hope it will help inform future models of care, improving patient outcomes and recovery after some surgeries,” Jim said “It will be a great opportunity for our district team to be part of the joint initiative working closely with A/Prof Harmer and Ms March.”
Sydney Health Partners has provided the initial
$25,000 for the trial, which will involve the team from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital’s physiotherapy department and orthogeriatric service.
Nominations now open for 2020 Exceptional People Awards The Exceptional People Awards are a great way to recognise individuals and teams who go above and beyond to support our services and our patients and consumers. Completing the nomination form is simple; just visit the Exceptional People Awards page and download the staff nomination form, which can be submitted by email.
This year has been an especially unique, challenging year but many people across the district have contributed to the success of our COVID-19 response as well as our business as usual functions. With seven categories to choose from, there is a category to suit everyone from our dedicated volunteers, support staff, clinical and non-clinical teams and individuals across the district. If you know a person or team doing great work, let them know by nominating them for an award.
Nominees will be invited to the Exceptional People Awards event in December to celebrate. Nominations close on September 25 2020.
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NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 16| 27 AUGUST 2020
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