Developing a Consistent Multidisciplinary Delivery of Therapy Care System for Acute Care Therapy Services

Abstract

Determining the appropriate frequency of therapy (physical, occupational, and speech) for inpatients can be challenging in the acute care setting. The situation is compounded at a large teaching hospital due to the limited clinical experience and turnover that often accompanies a therapy staff team at such an institution. The resulting variety of therapy treatment plans in regard to frequency of visits decreases customer satisfaction.

A framework to determine the frequency of therapy visits was developed to assist the therapy staff. An in-depth training program for current staff, including a two-tiered competency, was implemented and has allowed for standardized training of new staff. Other health-care providers were also educated regarding the therapists’ triage of coverage and the tools available to facilitate reinforcement of the therapy care plan with inpatients.

Consistency in assigning the frequency of therapy visits has been achieved utilizing a foundation of the patient’s functional status. Although this is a core concept for therapy staff, utilizing this concept to explain frequency of therapy visits to health-care team members was a new approach. Working together with all team members to provide an environment of patient mobility and activity has created a positive aspect for patient- and family-centered care.