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Comprehensive acute rehabilitation delivered in NRH’s inpatient unit focuses on the whole person – and on helping patients reach the highest level of health and independence possible. An interdisciplinary team of SCI specialists assesses each patient’s medical and psychological status, and develops individualized patient plans that encompass the full scope of rehabilitative options needed to promote wellness and the patient’s successful return to the community.
A special emphasis is put on the prevention of primary and secondary conditions and on patients’ participation in quality of life activities. Extensive education is provided to the patient, his family and others that are a significant part of the patient’s life to help them all make the difficult adjustment to catastrophic injury or disease.
The patient is a key member of the treatment team that also includes the physician team leader, a non-physician SCI Clinical Care Coordinator, nurse coordinator and nursing staff, social worker, psychologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, rehabilitation engineer, therapeutic recreation specialist, and vocational rehabilitation counselor. And at the patient’s request, spiritual care services are provided.
During inpatient care, the management of urologic, spasticity, pain and skin issues is also addressed – as are issues related to sexuality and fertility through the NRH SCI Male Fertility Clinic – one of the first of its kind in the U.S. to offer help to men with neurological impairments who wish to father children.
 The integration of research and clinical programs at NRH allows for the speedy translation of research findings to clinical care. The refinement of the Locomat® robotic-assisted therapy is the result of an NRH investigation – the hospital became one of the first to put the Locomat to use as a sophisticated clinical tool for gait analysis, as well as to build strength and coordination and improve the overall health status of people with spinal cord injuries.
The Spinal Cord Injury and Disease Program utilizes a wide array of other sophisticated therapeutic equipment to enhance outcomes including the LiteGait® weight baring gait training and balance system, adaptive treadmills, functional electrical stimulation bikes, standing frames, hi-lo therapy mats, the IBOT® Mobility System, aquatic devices and adapted weight training and sports equipment.
Community outings help patients learn how to navigate with confidence through the world outside the hospital setting. Planning for the patient’s life after acute rehabilitation literally begins at admission with an assessment of the patient’s medical, psychological, social and vocational status – and includes recommendations about which services each patient will need to transition to the next level of care. Home and worksite evaluations are also available when needed to help ease patients’ transition after discharge. |