Changing practice for acute hemiplegic shoulder care: A best practice model

This study evaluates the implementation of a best practice management model for hemiplegic shoulder care in acute neurological patients. Following a three-month trial, an existing model was modified and implemented on the neurosciences ward. Sixty-five patient records were randomly audited to evaluate implementation. Of these, 30 (46%) had signs that indicated use of the model, and of these, the model was used for 28 (93%). Following implementation, the use of outcome measures increased from 25% to 94%, and the consistency of management for the hemiplegic shoulder improved from 69% to 97%. The management tool for acute hemiplegic shoulder encourages timely identification of risk in patients with upper limb hemiplegia, assists clinicians to prioritize their time and appropriately allocate resources according to best practice.