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Dr Francesca Muscat, a physiotherapist and recent PhD graduate from the University of Malta, has developed a digital assessment tool aimed at improving the admission process for geriatric rehabilitation services.

Her research, conducted in collaboration with the Faculties of Health Sciences and ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ and Communication Technology, led to the creation of the TERESA Patient Assessment system. This tool assists clinicians in evaluating the rehabilitation potential of older adults more systematically.

The development process involved analysing 250 patient cases and identifying seven key predictors that influence rehabilitation outcomes, such as the cause of admission, prior cognitive and mobility status, and social support factors.

The resulting algorithm provides a probability score to guide clinical decisions, achieving an internal accuracy rate of 76%.

While designed to support, not replace, clinical judgment, the tool offers a standardised approach to patient assessment.

Dr Muscat's work addresses the need for a more structured admission process at Karin Grech Hospital, Malta's primary state-run rehabilitation facility.

Her research was funded by the (TESS), and she is currently working with the CareMalta Group to further develop and implement the model in both public and private healthcare settings.