Delivery of Therapy Interventions by Upskilled Therapy Assistants
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2021
To upskill therapy assistants (TAs) to conduct simple therapy assessments and interventions for medically stable patients. Upskilling TAs improved patient care access, enhanced workforce sustainability, and reduced costs while ensuring quality outcomes.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Workforce Transformation, Job Redesign, Upskilling
About this Content
Aims
To upskill therapy assistants (TAs) to conduct simple therapy assessments and interventions for medically stable patients.
Background
Rising therapy demands and the need for shorter hospital stays necessitated a sustainable solution. Upskilling TAs addressed this need by enabling therapists to focus on complex patients.
Methods
TAs underwent structured training and PDSA cycles to resolve project challenges. Implemented Therapy Support Staff Clinical Governance Framework to ensure safety and quality.
Results
Additional 498 TA-led physiotherapy sessions and 234 OT rehabilitation sessions. Functional outcomes were comparable to therapist-led sessions, with cost savings ranging from $4,009 to $17,430.
Conclusion
Upskilling TAs improved patient care access, enhanced workforce sustainability, and reduced costs while ensuring quality outcomes.
Lessons Learnt
Regular progress reviews and root cause analysis ensured project success. Future scalability requires systems for identifying suitable staff and differentiating tasks for support staff.
Additional Information
Workforce transformation enhanced professional capacity and sustainability.
Keywords
Workforce Transformation, Lean Methodology, PDSA, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Therapy Assistants, Functional Outcomes, Cost Savings
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy |
Project Lead(s) | Lim Si Min |
Project Member(s) | Koe Zi Yi |
Connect with this contributor!
Lim Si Min - Shilin_SM_LIM@ttsh.com.sg
Project Attachment
367_TTSH_NHIP_2021_Delivery_of_Therapy_Interventions_by_Upskilled_Therapy_Assistants_combine.pdf