In June 2025, the University of Malta announced the launch of a pioneering digital assessment system designed to streamline the admission process for geriatric rehabilitation. Developed by Dr. Francesca Muscat—a physiotherapist and recent PhD graduate—and backed by the Faculties of Health Sciences and Information & Communication Technology, the tool, dubbed the TERESA Patient Assessment System, promises to bring a data‑driven approach to evaluating older adults’ rehabilitation potential.
Why Geriatric Rehabilitation Needs Structured Assessment
Malta’s aging population is growing steadily, placing increasing demand on inpatient rehabilitation services. Traditional assessments often rely on clinician intuition, which can lead to inconsistent admission decisions and variable patient outcomes. In a country where resources are limited yet the quality of care must remain high, a standardised tool can help ensure that each older adult receives a fair and evidence‑based evaluation.
Key Challenges in the Current Admission Process
- Limited availability of rehabilitation beds.
- Variability in assessment criteria across providers.
- Difficulty predicting individual recovery trajectories.
- Lack of real‑time data to support decision‑making.
The TERESA system addresses these challenges by converting qualitative clinical insight into quantifiable metrics, enabling clinicians to benchmark patients against a database of 250 analysed cases.
How the TERESA Digital Assessment Tool Works
At its core, the algorithm integrates seven predictors identified through rigorous case‑study analysis:
- Cause of admission (e.g., fall, stroke, hip fracture).
- Pre‑injury cognitive status.
- Mobility level before the event.
- Social support network.
- Comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
- Functional independence before admission.
- Patient’s motivation and engagement in therapy.
Each factor feeds into a statistical model, producing a probability score that predicts the likelihood of successful rehabilitation. Although preliminary validation shows an internal accuracy rate of 76 %, the system is intended to augment, not replace, clinical judgment.
Benefits for Clinicians
• Consistent Decision‑Making: Standardised scoring reduces subjective bias.
• Time Savings: Automated data entry shortens assessment time by up to 30 %.
• Evidence‑Based Insight: Clinicians can reference peer data when discussing prognosis with families.
Benefits for Patients and Families
• Transparent Outcomes: Patients can see objective reasons for admission decisions.
• Personalized Care Plans: The tool’s insights help tailor rehabilitation strategies to individual needs.
• Improved Access: A fairer admission process may lead to more efficient bed utilisation, reducing wait times.
Implementation: From University to Clinical Practice
Dr. Muscat’s research, funded by Malta’s Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme (TESS), illustrates a pathway from academic development to real‐world deployment:
- Pilot Phase at Karin Grech Hospital: The tool was first trialled in the country’s main state‑run rehabilitation facility, allowing for iterative refinements based on user feedback.
- Training Workshops: Staff received hands‑on training, ensuring smooth adoption of the digital workflow.
- Integration with Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Seamless data exchange prevents duplication and maintains continuity of care.
- Quality Assurance: Ongoing monitoring of predictive accuracy and adjustment of thresholds keeps the system reliable.
Collaboration with CareMalta Group
Recognising the need to extend the system beyond public hospitals, Dr. Muscat has partnered with the CareMalta Group. This collaboration aims to:
- Expand the tool’s reach into private healthcare settings.
- Incorporate patient‑reported outcome measures (PROMs) for a holistic view.
- Develop a cloud‑based platform for multi‑centre research and continuous learning.
Broader Implications for Malta’s Healthcare Innovation
The introduction of the TERESA system marks a significant step in Malta’s commitment to evidence‑based healthcare. By leveraging data analytics in a clinical context, the University of Malta demonstrates how academic research can translate into tangible improvements in patient care. Moreover, the project showcases the synergy between health sciences and information technology, a partnership that can be replicated across other specialities—be it chronic disease management, mental health services, or preventive care.
Policy Opportunities
Healthcare policymakers can take cues from this initiative to:
- Encourage standardisation of admission criteria at a national level.
- Allocate funding for digital health pilots across the island.
- Support data governance frameworks that secure patient information while enabling research.
Next Steps for Healthcare Professionals
Clinicians interested in integrating the TERESA assessment can start by exploring the University of Malta’s resource portal, where detailed implementation guides and technical specifications are available. Engaging with the Faculty of Health Sciences will provide access to ongoing training sessions and support networks.
Take the first step in modernizing your rehabilitation workflow—schedule a free consultation with the University of Malta’s Digital Health Team today.
Engage and Share Your Experience
We encourage clinicians and administrators to share their outcomes and best practices in the comments below. Whether you’ve implemented a digital assessment tool or are considering one, your insights can help shape the future of geriatric rehabilitation in Malta.
Have questions? Write to us and let’s discuss how digital innovation can support your patient population.
For more in‑depth reading on advanced assessment models and digital health initiatives, explore our related articles on the University of Malta website.
