CONNACT Collaboration for Osteoarthritis Patients

In a rapidly changing healthcare landscape given our ageing population and a shift towards community care, there is a need to redefine the roles and skills required in the community care sector. It is with that impetus that St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) has partnered with Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) since 2018 in the CONNACT (Collaborative model of care between Orthopaedics and allied healthcare professionals trial) programme which aims to improve the quality of life of those suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees through regular therapy sessions at our day rehabilitation centre run by our therapists. To run this multidisciplinary programme in the community, our therapists were re-skilled and acquired new knowledge in OA knees management with the training support provided by the TTSH team. 

"One of the highlights in this learning experience included gaining more knowledge on the NEuroMuscular EXercise (NEMEX) training programme where we learnt how to apply principles of neuromuscular training to enhance motor-sensory control and improve functional stability," shares Ms Jennifer Vitualla, Physiotherapist. She adds that this has since been adopted in SLEC’s home exercise protocol.

"We also benefited much from the training and resources shared by the TTSH psychologist and dietitian on topics such as chronic pain management, weight management and nutritional needs. This has certainly nudged us closer to our vision of a trans-disciplinary practice, which we believe is necessary to manage the complex needs of our elders in the years ahead," says Ms Lui Yook Cing, principal physiotherapist. 

"The programme has shown positive results in the various symptom and quality of life scores but it is also the smiles on the faces of the participants and the professional satisfaction in gaining new skills and knowledge which make it a very positive experience for us," notes Ms Lui. 

We are looking forward to working with TTSH to roll this programme out in two other centres this year so that more can benefit from the skills and knowledge which we have gained!