Clinical Employees

(PT, OT, Speech, Rec. Therapy, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Case Management, Psychology, Nursing)

Treatment Teams

The rehabilitation team employs a transdisciplinary approach to therapy that addresses the medical, physical, cognitive, neuropsychological and family needs of the patient. Well-grounded in each others' disciplines, therapists help the patient set and reach practical, patient-focused goals, making the most of each course of treatment.

Upon admission, the patient receives a systems review of his or her medical condition by a physician specialist in internal medicine, and an evaluation by a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. A rehabilitation nurse provides an evaluation and orientation to the patient's program. Each of the patient's therapists contacts him or her to discuss goals and program, and to help set up a daily therapeutic schedule.

An individualized therapy schedule is tailored to meet a patient's needs. The treatment team meets regularly to discuss the patient's progress. As a member of the team, patients are encouraged to discuss their goals with team members. They receive reports regarding their programs from weekly Team Conferences. Each team member has a vital role to play in helping patients reach their goal of being as active and healthy as possible.

Physicians

Day-to-day medical care is closely coordinated by physicians who meet regularly with the therapy team to discuss the patient's progress and direct his or her program. Physicians specializing in internal medicine attends 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 V.P. of Medical Services/ Medical Director oversees admission and care of all patients.

Rehabilitation Nurse

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 RISB 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.

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist (O.T.) designs individual programs to help each patient reach maximum achievable independence in activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, kitchen tasks, home living skills and driving. In order to achieve this, the O.T. focuses on upper extremity strengthening, range of motion and coordination, functional cognition such as problem solving, memory, attention and organization as well as vision and visual perception. The O.T. also advises on the adaptive equipment and assistive technology necessary in reaching rehabilitation goals and sustaining progress after discharge.

Psychologist/Neuropsychologist

RISB's psychologists help with challenges that catastrophic illnesses and injuries pose for patients and families. In cooperation with other team members, psychologists help the patient and family regain the sense of mastery that plays a central role in a successful rehabilitation outcome. The neuropsychologist may employ formal or informal testing to assist patients and the other therapy team members to better understand the changes in thinking and coping skills that may have occurred. They may also help patients cope with lifestyle changes resulting from disabilities.

Case Manager

The case manager coordinates the team's care plan, and communicates progress information to the patient and family and to referring physicians and insurers. He or she assists 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.

Physical Therapist

The physical therapist evaluates the patient's functional abilities in the areas of bed and wheelchair mobility and walking, if appropriate. Goals and a treatment program are developed which may include exercises to improve strength, quality of movement, balance, posture, and coordination.

Recreation Therapist

Individualized leisure activities and counseling are provided by the recreation therapist to incorporate and reinforce skills learned from other therapies. Patients are helped to adapt or modify previous leisure activities and find new ones to enjoy. Therapeutic outings away from the hospital provide opportunities to practice adapted skills in real-life situations. Therapeutic Recreation promotes return to home and community in an independent and healthy lifestyle.

Speech/Language Pathologist

When communication or swallowing problems are present, the speech/language pathologist works with the patient to improve speech, comprehension, thinking, memory, reading, and writing skills, with special emphasis on social communication. Swallowing problems are carefully assessed and treated.

Pharmacist

The clinical pharmacist monitors and manages each patient's medications, working closely with physicians, nurses and therapists toward optimal medical care and maximum function for each patient.

Dietitian

The dietitian monitors and manages each patient's nutritional needs in consultation with the team, with attention to chewing and swallowing deficits, to promote optimal health and energy.