Aim:
The aim this project was to improve outcomes for young children with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, development delay and hyper mobility. Underpinned throughout the process the team used evidence-based practice to improve muscle strength, coordination, balance and functional independence towards discharge from the physiotherapy team. Key aims were also to increase confidence to access leisure services and reduce dependence on health care professionals reinforcing change for life. The project involved using a skill mix of Physiotherapy staff, working in partnership with leisure industry colleagues, to establish group physiotherapy led gym/circuit training sessions.
Project Description:
This project worked with disabled young people aged 14 – 19 years all of which were referred by the Paediatric Physiotherapists, from their caseload, and were all identified as requiring additional support with their physical needs. Participants were invited to attend weekly sessions at the Leisure Centre supported by qualified gym instructors and Paediatric Physiotherapists who all gave the participants one to one support.
The gym sessions aimed to empower the young people by encouraging them to manage their own physical needs as part of a fun and healthy lifestyle, which overall supported their functional independence. They were also encouraged to set their own goals to help them reach their physical potential.
The participants were also given a tailor made programme for the gym to suit their individual needs and requirements and were supported along the way in understanding and implementing each aspect of it. At the end of the project each participant was given 2 months free membership to the centre.
As a result of the project the majority of participants continued to access and use the gym and leisure centre facilities of their own accord. This increase in their activity levels has enabled some of the young people to be discharged from the Paediatric Physio service, ultimately reducing the caseload and the implications on the NHS. This project has also led to the development of other physical activity related projects for disabled participants and also enabled the Sports Development Team to create pathways for the participants into regular community sessions such as the Inspire Multi Sport Club.
This partnership project is considered a new and innovative way of working for both teams and has hugely contributed towards improving the quality and efficiency of the paediatric physiotherapists and the service whilst reducing the demands placed upon them. This has been showcased as good practice and has received a prestigious local Staffordshire NHS Excellence Award for Partnership Working.
Impact
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83% of children and young people continued attending the gym, with the remaining 17% feeling confident to undertake other forms of exercise.
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100% of children and young people saw significant improvements.
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100% of children and young people would encourage their friends and family to take
up an active lifestyle with them.
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100% of children and young people were discharged from the Paediatric
Physiotherapy Caseload.
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Increased confidence of children and young people involved in the programme.
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Financial savings for NHS Paediatric Physiotherapy Team as 14 year olds discharged.
This will also have future benefit for NHS as they will not require as much intervention in adult years.