DOS Kongressen 2014 ·
235
The postoperative rehabilitation of lumbar disk
patients in the Region of Southern Denmark
Rune Tendal Paulsen, Erik Bergholdt, Mikkel Østerheden Andersen,
Rikke Rousing
Sector for Spine Surgery and Research, Middelfart
Background:
Following the municipal reform in Denmark in January 2007,
the municipalities gained responsibility for the postoperative rehabilitation. In
the Region of Southern Denmark this task were decentralized to a total of 22
municipalities implying a possible risk for considerable variation within the legal
framework. An observational study was needed to clarify the rehabilitation pro-
grams across the region.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
This study elucidates the post-surgical rehabilitation
programs of patients with lumbar disk herniation in the 22 municipalities of the
Region of Southern Denmark and furthermore performs a statistical analysis of
the patient reported outcome measures 1 year after surgery.
Materials and Methods:
22 Physiotherapists answered a questionnaire re-
garding visitation, methods of training and their general rehabilitation offer. 368
operated patients were linked with zip codes and the different municipalities
were then compared with parameters as ODI, EQ-5D and sick leave time.
Findings / Results:
Patient reported outcome measures showed no statistical
difference in ODI, EQ-5D or sick leave time at 1 year follow up across the 22
municipalities. Rehabilitation programs across the region were comparable upon
several factors. The questionnaire revealed potential for improved cooperation
between hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Conclusions:
Rehabilitation is broadly similar and patient outcome after 1 year
does not differ across the 22 municipalities. Generally all municipalities requests
better cooperation between hospital and rehabilitation unit to insure the best
patient treatment. Further studies should focus on the effect of rehabilitation
and thus generate evidence on this topic.
182.
