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Delivering physiotherapy follow-up for high-risk infants in small group setting - a QI initiative to enhance service efficiency
Botsie, Anna Fernandes, Marta Masters, Zoe
Botsie, Anna
Fernandes, Marta
Masters, Zoe
Abstract
Introduction: High-risk infants require frequent neurodevelopmental follow-up, posing a high demand for outpatient services. There are published studies exploring the efficacy of group-based interventions, but none with this patient cohort.
A follow-up physiotherapy baby-group (FUBG) was set up to evaluate the impact on service delivery when high-risk infants were assessed in a small group instead of a 1:1 appointment.
Method: Between October 2021 and September 2023, infants born <28 weeks gestation or with a birthweight <1000g were invited to attend the FUBG at 4 months, 9 months 14 months and 15+ months corrected gestational age. It was run by two Physiotherapists and had a maximum of six infants per group. Neurodevelopment was assessed against a pre-written checklist. Parental questionnaires were sent out electronically to understand their experiences.
Results: 58% (33/47) infants were successfully reviewed in a group setting, 28% were taken out of the group and offered 1:1 appointments and 14% did not attend the group. The FUBG saved the service between 17-19 working days over 23 months. 81% of parents preferred the group setting instead of 1:1 appointment.
Discussion: The FUBG provided an informal, baby-friendly environment to monitor neurodevelopment for high-risk infants. Many parents preferred the group setting because it provided the opportunity for the parent and infant to socialise and interact with others.
Almost 60% of high-risk infants can be successfully monitored in a group environment, creating service capacity. Considering the current constraints a FUBG could be adopted to maximise service capacity and enhance the family experience.
MIDER Authors
Affiliations
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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Date
2024-09-24
Type
Conference Output
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Citation
Botsie, A., Fernandes, M. and Masters, Z. (2024) 'Delivering physiotherapy follow-up for high-risk infants in small group setting - a QI initiative to enhance service efficiency'. School of Nursing, AHP and Midwifery Conference. Birmingham: 9-10 September.