Medically Complex Patients on the Rise: Is Your Rehab Program Ready?

Rehab-Certified Nurses
Unlike standard medical nurses, rehab-certified nurses are trained to help patients with disabilities and chronic illnesses achieve maximal functional improvements. They are educated to understand the treatments and systems used specifically in rehab environments. This expertise translates to faster recovery for patients and more efficient programs.

Speech and Language Pathologists
Speech and language pathologists play an important role in helping patients reach optimal functionality. For instance, receiving speech therapy early in the rehab process is most effective at treating aphasia, which is present in up to 38% of stroke patients.³ Research finds that more intensive therapy typically correlates with better outcomes.

Clinical Liaisons and Certifications
A key part of optimizing the efficacy of your rehab program is providing the right level of care at the right time. Highly-trained clinical liaisons are needed to achieve optimal timing of rehab entry. CARF and Joint Commission certifications also enhance patient access by expanding the range of patients a program is able to treat, and improving performance. On average, CARF-accredited programs experience a 26% increase in annual patients served.⁴

Upgrades to Develop Best-in-Industry Brain Care Centers

Technology is vital to developing leading rehab programs that stand out within the market and deliver the best outcomes. Robotics are among the tools making the biggest impact for the changing patient population.

For instance, BIONIK InMotion robots physically guide brain injury patients through tasks by supporting their arms.⁵ As patients progress, the robots decrease their levels of physical support, thereby adapting to patient capabilities. BIONIK’s robots are effective for treating patients who have suffered strokes, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.

Other emerging technology that is benefiting medically complex patients includes exoskeletons, and even robotics that aid in surgical procedures. Exoskeletons can provide a speedier path to recovery and functionality.

Follow-up calls give patients and their caregivers the opportunity to ask questions and resolve any misunderstandings. Nurses are able to review medications and rehab tasks, repeat instructions, advise on new problems and confirm future appointments.

Supporting the Adult Child Caregiver

For most medically complex patients, an adult child takes on the role of caregiver. Initiatives to support the caregiver can help rehab programs reduce readmissions and improve patient outcomes.

There are a variety of initiatives that can be used to support caregivers: ⁶

• Transitional Support
  Training and preparation for the caregiver as the patient transitions from inpatient treatment to at-home care

• Educational Materials
  Easy-to-understand content that addresses the appropriate phase of the patient’s care journey

• Case Managers
  Dedicated staff who serve as the caregiver’s contact person

• Peer Support Groups
  A space where caregivers can find emotional support among their peers and learn relevant coping skills

• Mobile App Technology
  Apps, specially designed for rehab, are allowing patients and their families to set goals, track progress and share updates. These apps keep patients and caregivers engaged throughout the rehab journey.

While the rapidly evolving patient population is challenging, rehab programs can thrive by adapting their programs to meet the growing demand. Developing rehab-specific expertise around key areas including staffing, patient and caregiver experience and tech innovation can enable rehab programs to reach new levels of success.