Acute inpatient rehabilitation reimagined

At a time when immobility continues to define patient care, not having the right space to help patient's recover is a major health risk. For many patients, especially the elderly, therapy is a clinical necessity — not an optional extra. Evidence suggests that hospitalised patients spend up to 95 per cent of their time in bed. For older adults, this is particularly concerning as they are 61 times more likely to experience functional decline following hospital admission. Case studies show that inpatient mobilisation efforts can result in a 37% reduction in falls and 86% fewer pressure ulcers.

To address these gaps and unmet needs, a multidisciplinary team came together at North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) to investigate whether dedicated inpatient rehabilitation spaces, located close to wards, could improve outcomes and efficiency. They arrived at clear and tangible ways we can improve the current state-of-play. Working with healthcare planners and designers, they illustrate what an effective acute inpatient rehabilitation space looks like.

After running a series of collaborative user group meetings with allied health professionals (AHPs) and health and social care professions (HSCPs) across the UK and Ireland, a common theme emerged. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists often feel underrepresented in hospital design and innovation.