The rehabilitation team employs a transdisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation process that addresses the medical, physical, cognitive, neuropsychological, and family needs of the patient. Working together, physicians, therapists, and nurses develop individualized courses of treatment to help each patient set and reach practical, patient-focused goals.
Rehabilitation Nursing
Rehabilitation nurses provide 24-hour acute nursing care, closely monitoring medical and functional status, and teaching patients how to prevent or cope with problems associated with their condition. Many of CRH’s nurses are Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses (CRRN). They assist patients in applying skills learned in all areas of the rehabilitation program and focus on restoring and maintaining function, preventing complications, and avoiding further functional loss.
Physicians
Day-to-day medical care is closely coordinated by physicians who meet regularly with the rehabilitation team to discuss the patient's progress and direct his or her program. Physicians specializing in internal medicine attend to the patient's general medical needs, optimizing his or her potential for recovery of function. When appropriate, consultations in other medical specialties are obtained. The referring physician may provide oversight of the patient's treatment or invite a physician specializing in rehabilitation, a Physiatrist, to attend. The Medical Director oversees admission and care of all patients.
Case Management
Case management coordinates the team's care plan, and communicates progress information to the patient and family and to referring physicians and insurers. Case managers assist patient and family in understanding the disability and any new social and economic problems that arise because of it. They assist in discharge planning, family training, and community reintegration guidance for patients and their families.