Authors : Ronke V. Olatunde

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr2644fn

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun1829

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Abstract : Hospital readmissions in neurological and geriatric populations are a critical burden on the healthcare systems in the United States, as fall-related readmissions occur at 35.2 per person-years, accruing up to $23.9 million annually Although several interventions have held promises to reduce rates and risks of readmission by 30-65%, there is limited analysis on the role of physiotherapy (PT) as a comprehensive public health solution for reintegrating the community and preventing readmission. This study used a case study design, considering three cases of US-based physiotherapy programs including Kaiser Permanente's integrated stroke rehabilitation program, the Veterans Affairs (VA's) rural telerehabilitation initiative, and Mount Sinai's geriatric mobility clinic. Based on institutional reports and data from databases including qualitative analysis of implementation factors, key findings showed that structured physiotherapy interventions reduce hospital readmissions across neurological and geriatric populations. Essentially, programs implementing community-based physiotherapy of at least two sessions per week reduced readmission rates from 18-30% while saving up to $8l,000/patient through reduced use of emergency department and avoided readmissions. Cross-case analysis showed critical success factors like adequate intervention considering the relationships between dose and responses, technology-powered delivery models, and comprehensive caregiver training. The findings also support the use of physiotherapy as a cost-effective health strategy requiring integration of policy using expanded coverage of Medicare, mandating discharge planning procedures, and legislation recognizing the preventive care role of physiotherapy in managing the population's health.

Keywords : Hospital Readmissions, Enhanced Community Reintegration, Physiotherapy, Neurological and Geriatric Populations, United States.

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