2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Lori Letts; Julie Richardson FHT/ORG: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University ABSTRACT: This presentation will share findings from two research projects that evaluated the contributions rehabilitation professionals make with patients with chronic diseases in primary care. The first study was a randomized trial with patients seen by physiotherapy and occupational therapy for individualized assessment, intervention, group self-management, and web-based supports to self-manage their conditions and functioning. Intervention group participants had significantly fewer planned hospital days, and were significantly more satisfied with rehabilitation services. The second study was a before-after design with case-matched controls, using a population based approach to rehabilitation self-management and organizational capacity-building. Participants in the intervention group had significant improvements in physical activity and strength; and improved self-efficacy that was not maintained. Team members reported benefits from the capacity building intervention. Together, these two studies call attention to the importance of self-management, physical functioning, and meeting rehabilitation needs of patients with chronic illnesses seen by Family Health Teams. Click here to view presentation.
