Role Redesign of Physiotherapy Therapy Assistants (TAs) in Surgical High Dependency unit (SHDU)
Care Process & Redesign
Training ＆ Education
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2018
To redesign the role of Therapy Assistants (TAs) by equipping them with skills to assess and deliver bedside interventions. Role redesign resulted in significant benefits for patients, staff, and the organization.
Year Submitted: 2018
Published Date: 31 December 2018
Tags: Workforce Transformation, Training ＆ Education, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Job Redesign, Upskilling, Multi-Disciplinary, Assessment, Workplace Based Assessment, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Manhour Saving
About this Content
Aims
To redesign the role of Therapy Assistants (TAs) by equipping them with skills to assess and deliver bedside interventions to post-abdominal surgery patients in the SHDU
Background
With the rapidly aging population and growing demand for physiotherapists, there is a need for sustainable solutions and task redistribution. Traditional TA roles were redefined to optimize patient care.
Methods
Developed a 4-week training program (160 hours), including lectures, practical sessions, exams, and assessments for TAs. After training, TAs were allowed to work independently in patient care.
Results
0.25 FTE/day saved, cost savings of $232/day, and 120 minutes of physiotherapist time saved per day. TAs felt more satisfied with enhanced job roles, and physiotherapists could focus on more complex tasks.
Conclusion
Role redesign resulted in significant benefits for patients, staff, and the organization. It allowed for task redistribution and increased the efficiency of the workforce without additional costs.
Lessons Learnt
Structured and robust training programs are essential. Training is more efficient with TAs who have prior experience in relevant roles.
Keywords
Workforce Redesign, Role Redesign, Physiotherapy, Staff Empowerment, Job Satisfaction
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Physiotherapy, Intensive Care Medicine |
Project Lead(s) | Tan Ee Chen Jaclyn |
Project Member(s) |
Connect with this contributor!
Tan Ee Chen Jaclyn - ee_chen_tan@ttsh.com.sg
Project Attachment
19_TTSH_AHSP_Role_Redesign_of_PT_Therapy_assistants_in_Surgical_High_Dependency_unit_combine.pdf