Selecting a rehabilitation program may seem like an overwhelming task. There are a multitude of variables to consider and often not always enough time to make such an important decision.
The following questions and answers are provided to help you in your decision making process:
Is the program accredited?
The Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit is accredited by both Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and The Joint Commission. The accreditation is voluntary but requires programs to provide data demonstrating compliance to stringent standards and practices.
Does the program specialize in rehabilitation?
The staff of the Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit has received extensive specialized training and certification in the rehabilitation field. The majority of the nurses are certified rehabilitation nurses (CRRN) through the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. More than 50 percent of the physical therapists employed in our program have achieved special certification in neurology through the American Physical Therapy Association. The majority of our occupational therapists and physical therapists have obtained NDT certification. All of the speech-language pathologists have either earned or are in the process of obtaining their Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). Our psychologists have specialized in rehabilitation and one is board certified by the American Board of Neuropsychology. The Rehabilitation Center's attending physicians are board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The facility has state of the art equipment including patient overhead lift system, overhead assisted gait, Xsensor pressure mapping system, and environmental control units.
What kind of medical support is available for emergencies?
The inpatient Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit is located within a Trauma I Medical Center and regional referral center with access to all the services within the hospital. Physicians are available 24 hours a day, if needed, and medical specialists consult on rehabilitation patients as appropriate. The staff has had extensive training and experience in caring for patients with complex medical needs. The Center has two staff physicians for a maximum of 24 patients and our nursing staff has an average patient ratio of one licensed nurse to three or four patients. If an emergency were to occur, the patient could be quickly transferred to one of the five ICU's located within Intermountain Medical Center.
Does the program provide a continuum of care?
The Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit is affiliated with numerous outpatient rehabilitation programs located throughout the Salt Lake Valley area and within the state.
The affiliated outpatient programs closest to the Intermountain Medical Center are:
- Intermountain Medical Center Neuro Outpatient Therapy
- Alta View Hospital Outpatient Therapy
Coordination of care is provided by the Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit to ensure patients receive care at the most appropriate setting.
Can family members participate in the program?
Family members are encouraged to attend and actively participate in the rehabilitation process. This may include:
- Education sessions with staff
- Attendance during therapy sessions
- Community re-entry activities to ensure a smooth discharge to home
Families are an integral part of our program beginning with the admission to the inpatient Neuro Specialty Unit through discharge and work closely with the rehabilitation staff to develop and implement the patient's individualized treatment plans and goals.
Is the program involved in research?
Both Intermountain Medical Center and the Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit are actively involved in ongoing research. It is our commitment to our patients to implement best care practices, and to make a difference for those we serve as well as benefit others in the rehabilitation industry. We have participated in several multi-site national and international studies focusing on the care and treatment of people with neurologic limitations and the identification of appropriate levels of services.
- The Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit is currently participating in a 5-year multi-site study (funded by the National Institute of Health) addressing the best care treatment for patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries.
- The rehabilitation unit is also participating in a research study (in collaboration with the Bronx VA Medical Center, New York) focusing on medical complications associated with spinal cord injury.
Does your staff participate in continuing education?
The staff at the Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit are encouraged and supported in their efforts to continue their specialized rehabilitation education. Staff is sent annually to rehabilitation specific conferences and for advanced certification courses. Employees may also take advantage of financial support available to continue their education at colleges and universities. The Rehabilitation Unit also participates in offering rehabilitation education classes and conferences to the community.