Self-management of Chronic Mobility Limitations in MUHC Seniors

The population is aging and chronic conditions, which are major causes of pain and mobility limitations, are on the rise, however, current access to physiotherapy is difficult. Knowledge on managing disability is substantial, but methods to translate into action are lacking. This project is designed to test a novel method of promoting function in vulnerable seniors and simultaneously develop awareness in the new generation of physiotherapists that they can have a proactive role in health promotion. The investigators are proposing a pilot project targeting both students and patients.

The research question are (1) What are the needs of vulnerable patients at the MUHC? Two groups will be targeted; newly discharged seniors (who will be eligible for an intervention) and cancer outpatients who will be surveyed only);(2) For a senior population at risk for physical deterioration, to what extent is a personalized mentoring approach to optimizing function and preventing disability through developing self-management skills more effective in improving outcomes than the provision of written material covering the same general content? (3) Does a mentoring experience with vulnerable seniors through development and teaching of a self-management program (comprised of education and support) produce meaningful positive changes in future clinicians' knowledge, skills and attitude towards modes of delivering physiotherapy services and promoting self-management in Canadian seniors?

There are two phases to this study: a survey and randomized controlled trial (RCT). The survey phase will identify mobility needs of two groups, newly discharged seniors and cancer outpatients. The needs assessment for newly discharged seniors will identify people eligible for the (RCT) component; the needs assessment for cancer outpatients will inform the development of interventions for this specific group. The RCT component will be piloted for recently discharged community dwelling seniors 70 years and older only.

A sample of 400 seniors recently discharged from the adult, general, hospital sites of the MUHC will be contacted for a needs assessment. From this pool, the investigators anticipate 100 will be eligible and 60 will be randomized, 30 to the mentor intervention and 30 to the control group. Participants will be followed-up for 6 months and assessments will be performed at 2 time points (baseline and 6 months). The main outcome is a standardized response ratio (SRR) estimated across all persons and measures. SRRs will be calculated for three groups of response variables: impairment/mobility measures, quality of life indicators, and health services outcomes.

In parallel, to determine cancer survivor needs, the investigators will contact 600 cancer survivors; as the investigators anticipate 400 will answer the survey. The analysis of this survey will consist of frequency of specific needs by diagnosis and treatment.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* community dwelling seniors,
* aged 70 years and older,
* recently discharged from one of the adult general (MGH, RVH, Lachine) hospital sites,
* with anyone of the following mobility limitations:

  1. Limitation in walking more than 1 block
  2. Limitation in going up 1 flight of stairs
  3. Unable to get groceries without help
  4. Unable to do housework (dishes, meals, vacuuming, making bed) without help
  5. Self-rated health fair or poor
  6. Pain
  7. Shortness of breath

Exclusion Criteria:

* seniors discharged with orthopaedic or cardiac surgery, or
* with stroke or myocardial infarction, as formal rehabilitation is part of the usual care plan for these conditions.

Also excluded will be people with dementia as identified on the medical chart.