BIRS Statewide Hypertonicity Service - Brain Injury Awareness week 2021
For over 10 years the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (BIRS) State-wide Multidisciplinary Hypertonicity Team have delivered a specialised service for clients experiencing disabling muscle over-activity after brain injury. A recent qualitative research study funded by a Hopkins Seed Grant examined the client’s experience and perceptions of the service.
Focus group findings demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the service and delivery of patient centred care. Comments shared by a carer- “I get overwhelmed by how everybody tries so hard and their dedication” and clients expressed- “The Hypertonicity team, fantastic.” and “My experience was excellent.”
However, initial access to the service was challenging for some clients, suggesting primary care providers lack awareness of this speciality service and the potential benefits it provides. A carer shared their perspective - “I wouldn’t have known; it’s not out there. Your local GP doesn’t know a thing about this sort of thing. We want to know about it, and you’re lucky that you are here.”
Clients reported positive outcomes in their rehabilitation journey that were facilitated by the management of their Hypertonicity. Some achieved above and beyond their initial Hypertonicity goals for example “We’ve found his friends… were distant… but the more he’s been able to move better and not look so… cramped up… they see him more as able. It’s like it has given him old friendships back again” said a carer of a young gentleman post stroke.
Study findings are being used for service improvement initiatives within this service and in future translation to brain injury rehabilitation services across the state. Next steps for the team include working towards a consistent State-wide model of Hypertonicity care for people with brain injury across Queensland. Further qualitative research is necessary to understand the lived experience of hypertonicity post brain injury to facilitate delivery of patient centred care.
Catherine Cave, Advanced Physiotherapist, was recently awarded “Best New Investigator” when presenting this work at the 2021 SMART STROKES conference. A recording of the abstract presentation is available here.
The BIRS Hypertonicity Team
(Left to right) Dr Rachael Nunan, Mary Kayssar – OT, Micky Nascimento – PT, Catherine Cave – Clinical Research Officer / PT.
