The Role of the Physical Therapist in an Acute Care Setting

You may have seen the recent physical therapy journal (December, 2012) that was devoted to rehabilitation of people with critical illness. Those of us who have worked in an acute care setting have seen acquired weakness that seems to be greater than one would expect from prolonged bed rest, and now there is considerable evidence to support this observation.

The physical therapist’s presence in acute care/ICU can reduce the risk of adverse medical events including pneumonia, blood clots, readmission and longer lengths of stay. This has obvious impacts on hospital costs, future medical costs, overall healthcare costs and morbidity.

Intervention guidelines are now being developed to address this acquired weakness with regard to dose, contraindications, and how to progress patients safely. Patients can been seen along the way, from the ICU until discharge and continuing into the home. But we cannot rest on our laurels…we may be called upon to continue to collect evidence that includes not only function and functional improvement, but current and future costs of an episode of care. Avoiding re-admission will be an important part of this equation, with patients ending up in the proper/safe discharge location, hopefully with the recommendations of physical therapy.

We’d like to hear from you:
What has been your experience treating this population? How have you adapted to the shorter hospital stays? Do you treat in the ER? What are the biggest challenges you face in the acute care/ICU setting? What guidelines do you refer to when assessing exercise safety? Are you part of the team that determines discharge location and ensures quality transitions?

 

 

]]>

Why don’t more people know that therapy can help their dizziness?

Dizziness and vestibular disorders affect 1/3rd of people during some time in their adult lives. Many of these folks have no idea that this is an inner ear disorder and many have no idea that physical or occupational therapy could be the answer to their problem. Imagine walking around dizzy all the time…not fun! 

Many patients turn to therapy as a last resort. Maybe a physician finally referred them to a physical therapist after all else failed. Most individuals require 3-5 physician visits before being accurately diagnosed. The cost of medical care per year exceeds one billion dollars for these patients! 

According to several studies, about 85% of patients suffering from dizziness see improvement through physical therapy. According to Richard Clendaniel, PhD, PT, renowned expert in vestibular rehabilitation, early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious injuries from falls and have a significant impact on decreasing the cost to our medical system. 

Vestibular Rehabilitation requires custom prescribed methods and custom treatment for each patient. 

We need to start a grass roots effort to educate the public about what therapy can do for their dizziness! 

Please share any efforts you have found successful in educating the public about therapy for vestibular disorders. 

How would you start a grass roots effort in your community about what therapy can offer these patients? 

]]>

Seeking Input from NICU Therapists

Dear NICU Therapist,
We are seeking your advice and input on developing an advanced clinical continuing education course for NICU therapists.  In response to numerous requests from colleagues who like yourself, have attended one of our NICU workshops, we are hoping to develop this program for 2013 to help meet your next level of professional development.

As a valued member of our community, we would greatly appreciate any feedback, (positive, negative, suggestions, comments) you may have for us.
Thank you 

]]>

Enter to win Free Registration for Therapies in the School 2013

Dear Therapies in the School Participants:

We are still flying high from sharing a thought-provoking two days with 250 school-based therapists from around the country and all of the innovative, evidence-based discussions that took place. It was great meeting and connecting with many of you and hearing your ideas for the future –

We are already planning for next year’s conference!

We would really enjoy hearing your thoughts about the conference, and hearing about how you will implement what you learned into your practice. Please share them, with us and your colleagues, here on our blog.  All those posting a comment will be entered to win FREE registration for Therapies in the School 2013! Winners will be chosen from a random drawing in January.

 

]]>