Healthcare Headlines Blog

Medically complex patients, who comprise a small but growing percentage of the patient population, often require one or more post-acute care (PAC) providers along a recovery journey that can span a number of weeks. Ensuring patients are receiving the most appropriate level of care can help improve and expedite recovery. Read Full Post

This article highlights how the MCG Health Clinical Indications for Admission to LTACHs have been revised based on the latest clinical research showing the benefits of timely discharge of ventilated patients to LTACHs.

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Recent research indicates that acute respiratory failure mortality rates are continuing to increase, further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and demographic changes.¹ For patients experiencing pulmonary conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), specialized care after the ICU is being shown to play a critical role in patient survival and recovery. Read Full Post

The American healthcare system, already financially strained and facing demanding demographic changes, has been further challenged over the past two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique situation has revealed areas for improvement and highlighted the importance of health and safety. Read Full Post

Determining the appropriate post-acute care (PAC) delivery setting for a patient based on his or her medical needs is essential to achieving optimal outcomes and reducing readmissions, especially immediately following a stay in the ICU. However, not all post-acute providers have the same capabilities, and therefore do not care for patients with the same clinical needs. Read Full Post

Recent research indicates that acute respiratory failure mortality rates are continuing to increase, further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal epidemics, such as the flu. For patients experiencing respiratory failure conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), specialized care after the initial hospital stay is being shown to play a critical role in patient survival and the severity of long-term effects. Read Full Post

The latest research findings are honing in on the clinical conditions associated with COVID-19, along with the specific care pathways needed for patients, once stabilized, to fully recover. This brief details COVID-19 patient care management strategies and research on how the clinical expertise of LTAC hospitals is uniquely suited for post-COVID patients. Read Full Post

By 2030, COPD is projected to be the third most common cause of death and is already the third most common reason for hospital readmission. Because clinical capabilities vary across post-acute settings, it is important to identify downstream partners who can provide expert care for complex pulmonary patients. Take a look at this guide for key strategies to improve outcomes for this at risk population. Read Full Post

Patients, their family members and friends are often overwhelmed during care transitions so we have compiled some frequently asked questions about our long-term acute care hospitals. Whether you are a patient, loved one or healthcare professional, here are a few things about our transitional care hospitals you should know: Read Full Post

The Bird ventilator, named for inventor Forrest Bird, was the first mass-produced mechanical vent, and it used compressed air technology and required no electrical power. Dr. Bird spoke at Kindred’s 2009 Clinical Impact Symposium, and signed the vent that is pictured and on display in the Kindred Support Center lobby.

Known by some as the “father of mechanical ventilation,” Dr. Bird tested his first mechanical ventilators by piloting his own planes to medical schools and asking doctors for access to their sickest patients. Patients who had tried all the available options and were expected to die of cardiopulmonary disease.

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