How many Bonitas patients have you treated since
you entered into a partnership with the Fund? How
many are currently on the programme?
We treat up to 159 per month at the 18 DBC equipped
centres in SA. This year we aim to treat around 1 908
Bonitas members.
Typically how long does the treatment programme
last – at DBC itself and then maintenance afterward?
Between 3 and 6 weeks and we would like the patient to
visit us every second month to check in to ensure that
the home-based programme is effective.
Have you seen an increase in back injuries over the
past few years and, if so, what are the main causes for
the chronic back pain (injury/lifestyle)?
Back, neck and shoulder pain affects up to 10% of the
population in any given year, stress and lifestyle specific
issues are at the root of this condition.
What percentage of patients have been able to avoid
surgery as a result of following the DBC programme?
Very hard to tell as there are a number of surgical
options available and every year new procedures are
introduced. Of the 1 793 members that completed the
DBC programme only 5% required further surgery.
In the case of post-op rehabilitation, does the
programme differ and is there a marked difference in
recovery when they adhere to post-op programmes?
12% of our patients are post-op and our treatment
protocol remains the same. The specific exercise loads
and treatment progression is managed to ensure that
patients are safe and outcome expectations are realised.
Have you had relapsed or repeat patients? If so, did
they redo the programme or did they require surgery?
Have you seen a difference in the age of patients
you are treating? What is the average age of a DBC
patient and is it possible to tell us the age of the
youngest/oldest? Our patients have a chronic musculoskeletal condition
in general and may require multiple interventions over a
lifetime but in most cases this means no surgery is ever
needed, so many members redo the programme for new
injuries or recurring issues. The aim remains to help the
members remain active and pain free to continue with
the normal daily activities.
The average age is 45 and youngest patient was 11, the
oldest is 93. To what do you attribute the success of the DBC
programme?
We know that the treatment protocol also requires
rehabilitation at home – do you find patients
continue with the treatment? Do you find patients
are compliant once they complete their programme,
what problems have you encountered? The excellent multi-disciplinary clinical team that
diligently treat each patient to the best of their ability,
always following the evidence-based DBC protocol.
Pain avoidance can be a great motivator, patients
understand once they have experienced the treatment
at DBC that they need to remain active and try and
complete the prescribed daily exercises.
Does Bonitas cover the full DBC programme or is
there a shortfall that requires a co-payment or Gap
Cover?
It is paid in full by Bonitas.
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