WA Country Health Service expands virtual rehabilitation across regional WA
Physitrack app-based exercise program
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is expanding rehabilitation across regional Western Australia (WA), following the successful trial of an app-based exercise program in the State’s South West.
‘Physitrack’ is a digital home exercise prescription program which connects patients to their therapist online, via their own smartphone or device – from the comfort of their own home.
Since the trial began in July 2021, more than 1000 patients across regional WA have used the customised video-based exercise programs plus educational content and clinical questionnaires.
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can build and update a patient’s personalised exercise program through the Physitrack app, which is then available to the patient instantly online.
A range of clinical questionnaires and outcome measures within Physitrack – including pain scores, quality of life scales and injury-specific questionnaires – allow therapists to monitor patient progress and adapt programs remotely.
WACHS patients surveyed so far are reporting Physitrack is easier to use than previous home exercise programs and that an online home exercise program improves motivation to complete their therapy.
WACHS Regional Director South West Kerry Winsor said Physitrack was a great tool for keeping in touch with remote patients.
“We know that supporting patients to continue their rehabilitation after a hospital admission is crucial,” she said.
“Many patients struggle to maintain the rehab momentum, so this app is a great tool to both motivate and support patients in their recovery at home.
“Physitrack is empowering patients to self-manage their recovery and keep on track to meet their recovery milestones.”
Physitrack – now being trialled across all seven WACHS regions until June 2022 – is another way WACHS is harnessing digital technology to provide care closer to home for country patients.
“Speak to your local WACHS therapist about how virtual care and telehealth can be a part of your rehabilitation program,” Ms Winsor added.
Providing patients with an effective way to keep on top of their rehabilitation goals minimises the need for an additional hospital stay and is an important element of WACHS’s strategy to free hospital bed capacity.