Abstract
Recent years have seen a decided swing from the longstanding inpatient model of rehabilitation to an outpatient model for all branches of medicine in Australia. This swing has been largely cost-driven and is unlikely to change. This paper reports on the development of a paediatric spinal outreach team (ORT) in NSW. The ORT was formed in 1993 and consists of a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and a social worker. It functions in close collaboration with the two children’s hospitals in Sydney. Approximately 10–11 new cases of paraplegia/quadriplegia occur in children/adolescents (up to 18 years of age) in NSW each year. Their therapeutic needs change with growth, development and maturation. Families in regional NSW have special requirements and website information services (distance education) will play an important role for them in the future. Integration with an organisation which provides ancillary services is essential for a comprehensive, statewide program.
It is suggested that a comparable service would play an equally important role in other states. Case studies to demonstrate savings to be made with this type of service need to be done to secure recurrent government funding.
The abstracts were prepared by Dr Robert Moore. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Spine Society of Australia, c/o the Adelaide Centre for Spinal Research, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 500, Australia.
