Implementing a Weekend Inpatient Robotics Program Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act Method: A Quality Improvement Initiative by Occupational Therapy Students

Purpose This quality improvement project assessed the feasibility, safety, and patient acceptability of a student-assisted weekend robotics program in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), with an exploratory analysis of functional outcomes. Occupational therapists in an inpatient rehabilitation unit created and assessed a sustainable weekend robotics program for patients. Materials and methods The inaugural weekend program was developed using a quality improvement framework, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method, which aligns with the knowledge translation framework. A small, random sample of patient data was assessed to determine the efficacy of the program and the utility of the measurements for future cycles. Results Over 12 weeks, 55 patients received 120 weekend robotic sessions and showed improved shoulder flexion and high satisfaction (98% positive). Patient diagnoses included neurologic, pulmonary, and orthopedic conditions. Detailed errors in the data were identified, and these supported the quality improvement cycle as researchers learned from the issues identified. Conclusion The successes of the program included its sustainability and approval for further PDSA cycles, suggesting that weekend robotics can enhance therapy dosage and patient engagement. The failures involved methodology issues with measurements, data collection and consistency, and student and therapist training.