The PACT's aim is to get the patient home within six days of surgery while ensuring their safety and independence. Intensive physiotherapy is provided in hospital, followed by a full assessment of daily activities by an occupational therapist so that the patient can rehabilitate at home. The PACT consists of a project leader, an orthopaedic nurse, an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist, with an advisory orthopaedic consultant, which enables them to provide continual care after discharge home for up to 15 days. The average number of inpatient days for a patient on the scheme was 8.2 days, and the average length of time under the care of the hospital was 13 days. This equated to the saving of 680 days.
Data collected under the scheme also reflect user satisfaction.
The PACT scheme creates numerous advantages to patients. Firstly, there is a seamless transfer for the patient into the community where the patient receives multidisciplinary assessments and treatment in their home environment, therefore increasing the purposeful nature of their rehabilitation. This assists in the prevention of further falls and, in the majority of cases, does not involve community services. Secondly, continuity of care is enhanced. The team provides efficient and effective multidisciplinary working and the patient-professional relationship is allowed to continue into the community, increasing their rapport and patient confidence.