Evolution of service metrics and utilisation of objective discharge criteria in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation: a retrospective cohort study with historical control in a public hospital physiotherapy department

BACKGROUND: ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is a common procedure requiring rehabilitation in public hospital physiotherapy departments. The rate of re-rupture and reduced rates of return to sport following ACLR are concerning. Current guidelines recommend a progressive approach to rehabilitation based on objective criteria. The aim of this study was to determine whether a new public hospital model of care incorporating a phase-based program increased physiotherapist utilisation of objective outcome measures, improved service metrics including attendance and rehabilitation completion rates, and increased patient-reported activity and knee function. METHODS: Records from patients attending outpatient physiotherapy after ACL reconstruction (N = 132) were included in a retrospective chart review to assess utilisation of objective measures such as quadricep and hamstring strength assessment, patient attendance and rehabilitation completion. Phone followup (minimum 1 year) was conducted to retrieve patient-reported measures of knee function (IKDC) and activity (Tegner Activity Scale). Patients were categorised by rehabilitation model of care (contemporary - time based [N = 93] vs new - phase based [N = 39]) and logistic regression used to assess the influence of patient factors and model of care on outcomes. RESULTS: Compliance was equivalent between models of care and completion rates (formal discharge by therapist) were low (30–38%). The probability of a patient receiving objective strength assessment was associated with model of care, sex, BMI and number of sessions attended. The probability of a patient being recorded as discharged from the program was significantly associated with model of care, and duration and number of sessions. CONCLUSION: Introduction of an updated model of care including a phase-based rehabilitation program increased physiotherapist utilisation of objective outcome measures in line with current ACLR rehabilitation recommendations, increased total rehabilitation duration and increased total number of sessions attended. Despite this, rehabilitation completion rates remained low, and self-reported activity and knee function remained equivalent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40945-020-00093-9.