Background and Aim:
Deconditioning is a common issue for patients admitted to acute hospitals leading to loss of function and the second most common reason for referral to in-patient rehabilitation in Australia. This study aimed to identify if the provision of an in-reach rehabilitation program in acute care (SMART) can improve patient function and reduce the need for inpatient rehabilitation

Method:
A parallel group study design was employed with 66 patients recruited to the study between July 2012 and February 2013. Participants were randomly assigned to either intervention (acute in-reach) or control group (standard care). The mean age of participants was 78 years , the mean MMSE 25.3; 61% were female and 39% male. Outcome measures included overall length of stay, admission and discharge level of mobility and function, and a follow up telephone survey of quality of life issues post discharge.

Results:
Preliminary data indicates that patients in the intervention group were able to improve their levels of mobility and function compared to the control group. TUG difference: 10.13 sec[4.00, 16.26] p<.001 and FIM motor score difference: 1.72 points[-9.78,6.34] p=0.570. Other outcome measures were not significantly affected by the intervention.

Conclusion:
In-reach rehabilitation program in acute care can improve mobility and function for patients regardless of age, sex and service category. This study supports the NSW Ministry of Health Rehabilitation Model of Care .

Acknowledgement: The RCT was partially funded by a Ramsay Allied Health Research Grant.