Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital Research Articles

1015 Evaluation of Actigraphy Sensors: Detecting Daytime Sleep After Stroke in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital

1015 Evaluation of Actigraphy Sensors: Detecting Daytime Sleep After Stroke in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Functional Outcomes and Disposition After Liver Transplant

ObjectiveTo describe the outcomes (change in functional independence and discharge disposition) of patients who after liver transplantation received acute inpatient rehabilitation in a freestanding rehabilitation hospital. DesignA retrospective chart review was conducted of patients admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital within 6 months of undergoing liver transplantation between January 2014 and December 2018. Change in function from rehabilitation admission to discharge was measured using FIM Change and FIM Efficiency. SettingA freestanding rehabilitation hospital. Participants107 patients who underwent acute inpatient rehabilitation at a freestanding rehabilitation hospital within 6 months after liver transplantation who met inclusion criteria (N=107). Most were men (71.96%), and the mean age of the patient population was 62.15 years. InterventionsAcute inpatient rehabilitation consisting of at least 3 hours of therapy 5 days a week split between physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services. Main Outcome MeasureFIM Change, FIM Efficiency, Discharge Disposition. ResultsParticipants were found to have statistically significant positive FIM Change (P<.00001) and FIM Efficiency (P<.00001). The mean FIM Change and Efficiency were 35.7±11.8 and 2.4±1.0, respectively. 83.2% (n = 89) were ultimately discharged to the community. ConclusionAcute inpatient rehabilitation provides patients who have received a liver transplant with the opportunity to measurably improve their function and independence, with most patients being able to return home.

Feasibility of overground exoskeleton gait training during inpatient rehabilitation after severe acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) integrated into clinical practice for patients after severe acquired brain injury (ABI). Setting Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Participants Eligible patients with severe ABI met the following criteria: age > 18, medically stable, met exoskeleton frame limitations, and a score of ≤ 3 on the motor function portion of the Coma Recovery Scale – Revised (CRS-R). Presence of consciousness disorder was not exclusionary. Design Prospective observational study. Main Measures Outcomes examined safety (adverse events), feasibility (session count and barriers to session completion), and tolerability of OEGT (session metrics and heart rate). Results Ten patients with ABI completed 10.4 ± 4.8 OEGT sessions with no adverse events. Barriers to session completion included clinical focus on prioritized interventions. Sessions [median up time = 17 minutes, (IQR: 7); walk time = 13 minutes, (IQR: 9); step count = 243, (IQR: 161); device assist = 74, (IQR: 28.0)] were primarily spent in Very Light to Light heart rate intensities [89%, (IQR: 42%) and 9%, (IQR: 33%), respectively]. Conclusion OEGT incorporated into the rehabilitation plan of care during inpatient rehabilitation after severe ABI was observed to be safe, feasible, and tolerable. However, intentional steps must be taken to facilitate patient safety.

Student‐led activities of daily living group program in a hospital inpatient rehabilitation setting

AbstractIntroductionOccupational therapists have vital roles in inpatient rehabilitation to focus on independence in activities of daily living. Occupational therapy interventions are uniquely designed to address goals of service users and can be delivered individually or in group formats. Group interventions promote service users' mutual support and enable therapists to increase frequency and intensity of service provision. Student‐led programs have become an attractive model, benefiting students while providing positive treatment outcomes for service users. There is an emerging body of literature that explores service users' and students' satisfaction with student‐led group models of practice within inpatient rehabilitation and occupational performance outcomes of service users participating in student‐led programs. This study aimed to explore the satisfaction of service users and students in addition to the self‐reported occupational performance outcomes of a student‐led activities of daily living group program in inpatient rehabilitation.MethodsData from 33 service users and seven students were collected retrospectively. The intervention involved a student‐led activities of daily living group program, consisting of three groups: breakfast, morning tea, and home readiness group. All service users and students completed unique satisfaction surveys at the conclusion of their participation in the student‐led program. Service users completed a self‐reported activities of daily living performance measure pre‐ and post‐program. Findings were reported in descriptive statistics, and pre‐ and post‐program data were compared with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsAll students were satisfied with the student‐led program. Majority of service users were satisfied with all components of the student‐led program. Median scores for self‐reported performance increased significantly following the student‐led program (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis study highlighted that service users and students were satisfied with the service delivery of a student‐led activities of daily living group program. The program was effective in addressing self‐reported performance for service users in inpatient rehabilitation. The findings from this study have potential to inform clinical practice on the implementation of student‐led programs in occupational therapy settings.

Benefits and barriers to return to education and relationship to quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury: Results of a mixed methods study

Context There is limited research on return to education (RTE) after spinal cord injury (SCI). As a result, few programs exist to help people achieve this goal. Objective The primary objective was to investigate the barriers and facilitators to RTE, and the relationship between RTE and quality of life (QOL). The secondary objective was to examine the role of a Vocational Resource Facilitation (VRF) program on RTE. Methods A mixed methods approach with a semi-structured interview and online survey was used. Participants included 15 people with SCI with RTE goals who received VRF services at an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Qualitative responses on the barriers, facilitators and perceived benefits of RTE were analyzed using a grounded theory strategy. Results Barriers to RTE included physical and mental health, transportation, time, environmental barriers, finances, lack of knowledge about available resources, and discrimination. Facilitators to RTE included the VRF program, social support, financial support, virtual learning, organizational support, and policy constructs. People who RTE after SCI reported better QOL, less depressed mood than those who did not, and were more likely to have returned to work. Conclusions This study highlighted common barriers and facilitators to RTE, and potential areas of intervention. VRF is a potentially efficacious early intervention vocational rehabilitation approach that improves participation in education and employment for people with SCI. People who received VRF and achieved RTE may have better QOL outcomes and improved employability.

Impact of Urine Culture Reflex Policy Implementation in a Large County Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit-A Pilot Study.

To promote antimicrobial stewardship, many institutions have implemented a policy of reflexing to a urine culture based on a positive urinalysis result. The rehabilitation patient population, including individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries, may have atypical presentations of urinary tract infections. The study objective is to determine the effects of implementing a urine culture reflex policy in this specific patient population. In an inpatient rehabilitation unit, 348 urinalyses were analyzed from August 2019 to June 2021. Urinalysis with greater than or equal to 10 white blood cells per high power field was automatically reflexed to a urine culture in this prospective study. Primary outcome was return to acute care related to urinary tract infection. Secondary outcomes included adherence to reflex protocol, antibiotic utilization and appropriateness, adverse outcomes related to antibiotic use, and reduction in urine cultures processed and the associated reduction in healthcare costs. There was no statistically significant difference before and after intervention related to the primary outcome. Urine cultures processed were reduced by 58% after intervention. Urine culture reflex policy is likely an effective intervention to reduce the frequency of urine cultures without significantly affecting the need to transfer patients from inpatient rehabilitation back to the acute care setting.

Using Performance Status to Identify Risk of Acute Care Transfer in Inpatient Cancer Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo identify patient factors associated with acute care transfer (ACT) among cancer survivors admitted for inpatient medical rehabilitation. DesignAn exploratory, observational design was used to analyze retrospective data from electronic medical records. SettingData were obtained from 3 separate inpatient rehabilitation hospitals within a private rehabilitation hospital system in the Northeast. ParticipantsMedical records were reviewed and analyzed for a total of 416 patients with a confirmed oncologic diagnosis treated in 1 of the inpatient rehabilitation hospitals between January and December 2020. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the incidence of an ACT. Covariates included the adapted Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) for inpatient rehabilitation, demographic information, admission date, re-admission status, discharge destination, and cancer-related variables, such as primary cancer diagnosis and presence/location of metastases. ResultsOne in 5 patients (21.2%) were transferred to acute care. Patients with hematologic cancer had a higher risk of ACT compared with those with central nervous system (CNS) cancer. Lower functional status, measured by the adapted KPS, was associated with a higher likelihood of ACT. Patients with an admission KPS score indicating the need for maximum assistance had the highest transfer rate (59.1%). ConclusionsThese findings highlight the medical complexity of this population and increased risk of an interrupted rehabilitation stay. Considering patients’ performance status, cancer type, and extent of disease may be important when assessing the appropriateness of IRF admission relative to patient quality of life. Earlier and improved understanding of the patient's prognosis will allow the cancer rehabilitation program to meet the patient's unique needs and facilitate an appropriate discharge to the community in an optimal window of time.

Status of Vision and Eye Care Among Patients in Rehabilitation Hospital Units: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectivesThe prevalence of vision disorders is high among geriatric and hospital inpatient populations, yet they often go undetected, resulting in consequences such as falls or prolonged recovery time. A needs assessment study was conducted to investigate levels of vision and the potential prevalence of unmanaged/undiagnosed ocular disorders among adult inpatients in a hospital-based rehabilitation unit. DesignCross-sectional study. Setting & ParticipantsInpatient rehabilitation units of an acute care hospital system in Ontario, Canada. Adults (n = 112) in a hospital inpatient rehabilitation unit participated from October 2018 to February 2019. MethodsParticipants were surveyed regarding their demographic, ocular, and medical data and spectacle wear. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, and stereoacuity plus the spectacle condition were directly assessed. ResultsThe majority (75%) were found to have reduced habitual vision while in hospital. Nearly 60% of participants reported at least some difficulty reading a newspaper or distinguishing a face or were “not happy with their vision.” This was despite 80% of participants reporting that they had an eye care practitioner and 70% that they had an eye examination within the last 2 years. More than half (51.8%) of the participants received the recommendation to follow up with their eye care practitioner on discharge from the hospital. Conclusions and ImplicationsReduced vision and vision disorders has a high prevalence among hospital patients in rehabilitation units and should be evaluated at or soon after hospital intake. By incorporating vision screening tools, necessary precautions may be taken to avoid possible falls and promote recovery.

The prototype of a frailty learning health system: The HARMONY Model.

Rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice through innovation is critical to improve health systems and patient outcomes. Access to efficient systems of learning underpinned with real-time data are the future of healthcare. This type of health system will decrease unwarranted clinical variation, accelerate rapid evidence translation, and improve overall healthcare quality. This paper aims to describe The HARMONY model (acHieving dAta-dRiven quality iMprovement to enhance frailty Outcomes using a learNing health sYstem), a new frailty learning health system model of implementation science and practice improvement. The HARMONY model provides a prototype for clinical quality registry infrastructure and partnership within health care. The HARMONY model was applied to the Western Sydney Clinical Frailty Registry as the prototype exemplar. The model networks longitudinal frailty data into an accessible and useable format for learning. Creating local capability that networks current data infrastructures to translate and improve quality of care in real-time. This prototype provides a model of registry data feedback and quality improvement processes in an inpatient aged care and rehabilitation hospital setting to help reduce clinical variation, enhance research translation capacity, and improve care quality.

Prosthetic Curricular Threads: Pilot Survey of Clinical Practice and Physical Therapy Education

ABSTRACT Introduction Physical therapists play a critical role in the rehabilitation of persons with limb loss/limb difference. The introduction to the skills and knowledge necessary to provide skilled care occurs during the physical therapist’s education in an accredited physical therapy program. Although clinical practice evolves as technological changes manifest and the evidence base progresses, it is unclear whether physical therapy education is adapting to stay current with clinical practice. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore the alignment of clinical practice with physical therapy education as it relates to prosthetic-specific curriculum. Methods Surveys were sent to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, prosthetic service clinics, and accredited physical therapy programs. Each survey was designed to assess both limb loss/limb difference rehabilitation and prosthetic specific-content germane to the setting being surveyed. Results Sixty-eight physical therapy programs, 48 prosthetic-service providers, and 14 rehabilitation hospitals responded. Just over one third of physical therapy education programs reported having a course dedicated solely to prosthetic-related content. There was general alignment between what is being taught and what is being practiced in the clinics; however, there was variation in specific content and time devoted to prosthetic-related curriculum across programs. Conclusions Further alignment of prosthetic-related content and clinical practice is needed in physical therapy programs. Clinical Relevance Statement More careful alignment of prosthetic curricular content with clinical practice in physical therapy programs will increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and help persons with amputations regain more function and quality of life.

A - 99 Older Adult Male with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH): Neuropsychological Case Study.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalous (iNPH) is a potentially reversible syndrome characterized by ventriculomegaly. Parkinsonism is an often-overlooked clinical feature of iNPH. Mostile et al. (2022) argued that the diagnostic iNPH "triad" should be reconsidered as a "tetrad" including parkinsonism. This case will discuss iNPH presenting with parkinsonism. Patient is an 81-year-old male with a history of iNPH with Hakim's triad. His medical history includes hyperlipidemia, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, total knee replacement, and chronic depression. Presenting concerns were continued cognitive and gait impairments. Patient was referred from his physiatrist for evaluation of his cognitive functioning and assistance with discharge planning in an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Patient was neuropsychologically evaluated to clarify the etiology of his cognitive presentation. Patient's cognitive profile was impaired in areas of attention, executive functioning, processing speed, visuoperception, and displayed a subcortical memory profile. Patient had intact functioning in areas of oral reading, naming, and working memory. Motor examination was evident for apraxia, task-specific tremor, and micrographia. This case report provides additive findings for common presentation of iNPH including parkinsonism presenting with comorbid psychiatric and medical confounders, highlighting the need for further research on neuropsychological profile of iNPH post shunt procedure. It also accentuates the need to accept parkinsonism as one of the common presentations of iNPH. Akinesia has been reported in nearly 70% of iNPH cases (Krauss et al, 1997), with bradykinesia and postural instability being the main parkinsonian features. Asymmetry and resting tremor were seen to be uncommon (Molde et al., 2017).

Amplitude training in occupational therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study

Background/Aims Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves is a functional, large-amplitude exercise programme aimed at reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. To date, evidence supports the use of amplitude training to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease; however, evidence is lacking in the feasibility of using Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves as an adjunct to occupational therapy within inpatient rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves intervention into the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease, within an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Methods A total of five adults with Parkinson's disease participated in this 11-week quasi-experimental feasibility trial. The use of Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves was standardised, requiring each participant to engage in at least two occupational therapy sessions that included Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves. Outcomes collected included fidelity of intervention implementation, and participant-centred outcomes of quality of life satisfaction and function via the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 and Section GG respectively. Results Each participant had a positive change in Section GG scores and completed between eight and 13 occupational therapy sessions that included Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves. Four out of five participants reported higher quality of life at the time of discharge. Conclusions The use of Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves was found to be feasible to implement within an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, with increased functional performance and improved quality of life.

Research Accelerator Program: A Strategic Initiative to Facilitate Interdisciplinary Collaboration That Advances Translational Research.

Developing a culture of innovative thinking and one that emphasizes clinician-researcher interaction is critical for the future of rehabilitation. We designed and implemented a strategy to build a culture of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration that facilitates translational research across several disciplines in our inpatient rehabilitation hospital. We colocated clinicians and researchers in workspaces within a new hospital and created the Research Accelerator Program-a collection of team-focused initiatives that promote communication and collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and other staff. The purpose of this article is to disseminate this strategy, which has increased staff participation in research activities and increased scientific productivity of interdisciplinary research teams over the past 8 yrs.

Blood pressure trajectory of inpatient stroke rehabilitation patients from the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial over the first 12 months post-stroke.

High blood pressure (BP) is the primary risk factor for recurrent strokes. Despite established clinical guidelines, some stroke survivors exhibit uncontrolled BP over the first 12 months post-stroke. Furthermore, research on BP trajectories in stroke survivors admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals is limited. Exercise is recommended to reduce BP after stroke. However, the effect of high repetition gait training at aerobic intensities (>40% heart rate reserve; HRR) during inpatient rehabilitation on BP is unclear. We aimed to determine the effect of an aerobic gait training intervention on BP trajectory over the first 12 months post-stroke. This is a secondary analysis of the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial. Participants with stroke admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals were recruited and randomized to usual care (n = 24), DOSE1 (n = 25; >2,000 steps, 40-60% HRR for >30 min/session, 20 sessions over 4 weeks), or DOSE2 (n = 25; additional DOSE1 session/day) groups. Resting BP [systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)] was measured at baseline (inpatient rehabilitation admission), post-intervention (near inpatient discharge), 6- and 12-month post-stroke. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of group and time (weeks post-stroke) on SBP, DBP and hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg; ≥130/80 mmHg, if diabetic), controlling for age, stroke type, and baseline history of hypertension. No effect of intervention group on SBP, DBP, or hypertension was observed. BP increased from baseline to 12-month post-stroke for SBP (from [mean ± standard deviation] 121.8 ± 15.0 to 131.8 ± 17.8 mmHg) and for DBP (74.4 ± 9.8 to 78.5 ± 10.1 mmHg). The proportion of hypertensive participants increased from 20.8% (n = 15/72) to 32.8% (n = 19/58). These increases in BP were statistically significant: an effect [estimation (95%CI), value of p] of time was observed on SBP [0.19 (0.12-0.26) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], DBP [0.09 (0.05-0.14) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], and hypertension [OR (95%CI): 1.03 (1.01-1.05), p = 0.010]. A baseline history of hypertension was associated with higher SBP by 13.45 (8.73-18.17) mmHg, higher DBP by 5.57 (2.02-9.12) mmHg, and 42.22 (6.60-270.08) times the odds of being hypertensive at each timepoint, compared to those without. Blood pressure increased after inpatient rehabilitation over the first 12 months post-stroke, especially among those with a history of hypertension. The 4-week aerobic gait training intervention did not influence this trajectory.

“You want them to be partners in therapy, but that's tricky when they’re not there”: A qualitative study exploring caregiver involvement across the continuum of care during the early COVID pandemic

Objective Widespread visitor restrictions were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic at acute and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Family caregivers were physically isolated from their loved ones, which challenged engagement in patient care and readiness for their role. Thus, we aimed to explore the involvement of family caregivers in COVID-19 patients as they journeyed across the care continuum during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design We employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Participants We conducted interviews with family caregivers, COVID-19 patients, and healthcare providers between August 2020 and February 2021. Setting Participants were recruited from a single hospital network in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed thematically. Results A total of 27 participants were interviewed—12 healthcare providers, 10 patients, and 5 family caregivers. Four themes were identified: (a) Caregivers were shut out in acute COVID care, (b) Patient discharge from inpatient rehabilitation was turbulent for caregivers, (c) Caregivers were unprepared to support loved ones in the community, and (d) Patient discharge to home was heavily dependent on caregiver availability. Conclusions Visitor restrictions prevent family caregivers from being physically present at patients’ bedside, leading to complex and detrimental impacts such as caregivers feeling that they were not engaged in their loved one's care planning until they were discharged. In turn, discharge to the community was met with several challenges including caregivers feeling underprepared and unsupported to meet their loved one's unique care requirements. This was exacerbated by a lack of community-based resources due to ongoing pandemic restrictions.

One Meaning for Two Persons: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Analysis of Meaning in Life, Anxiety, and Depression Among Rehabilitation Patients and Caregivers.

Patients and caregivers in the inpatient physical rehabilitation setting are presented with life-changing medical conditions, and their meaning in life can change dramatically. Meaning in life is associated with fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, but little is known about how they are related interdependently among patients and caregivers. In the current study, we aim to explore their dyadic relationships. Actor-partner interdependence model through structural equation modeling for dyadic analyses. A total of 160 pairs of patients and caregivers recruited from 6 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in China. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted among pairs of rehabilitation patients and caregivers. The presence of and search for meaning were measured with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. In 2 separate models, we found that patients' presence of meaning was negatively associated with their own depression (β=-0.61, P < .001) and anxiety (β=-0.55, P < .001), as well as their caregivers' depression (β=-0.32, P < .001) and anxiety (β=-0.31, P < .001). However, the caregivers' presence of meaning was only negatively associated with their own depression (β=-0.25, P < .05) and anxiety (β=-0.21, P < .05). A search for meaning was not significantly associated with depression or anxiety. The results indicate that the anxiety and depressive symptoms of rehabilitation inpatients and caregivers are associated with their own level of presence of meaning. Caregivers' depression and anxiety are interdependently associated with patients' presence of meaning. Clinicians should take dyadic interdependence into consideration when providing psychological services to rehabilitate patients and their caregivers. Meaning-centered interventions can be helpful for the dyads' meaning-making and mental health.

Functional improvements of patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility after bilateral lung transplant due to severe COVID-19 pulmonary disease.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has introduced a new subset of patients with acute end-stage lung damage for which lung transplantation has been successfully performed. To describe the inpatient rehabilitation course of patients who underwent bilateral lung transplant due to severe COVID-19 pulmonary disease. Retrospective chart review. Free-standing, academic, urban inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Seventeen patients aged 28-67 years old (mean 53.9 ± 10.7) who developed COVID-19 respiratory failure and underwent bilateral lung transplant. Patients participated in a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program including physical, occupational, and speech therapy tailored to the unique functional needs of each individual. Primary outcome measures of functional improvements, include mobility and self-care scores on section GG of the Functional Abilities and Goals of the Improving Post-Acute Care Transformation Act, as defined as quality measures by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Other functional measures included 6 minute walk test, Berg balance scale, Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA), and Cognition and Memory Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores. Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used to evaluate statistical significance of change between admission and discharge scores. Fourteen patients completed inpatient rehabilitation. Self-care (GG0130) mean score improved from 20.9 to 36.1. Mobility (GG0170) mean score improved from 30.7 to 70.7. Mean 6-minute walk distance improved from 174.1 to 467.6 feet. Mean Berg balance scores improved from 18.6/56 to 36.3/56. MASA scores improved from 171.3 to 182.3. All functional measures demonstrated statistically significant improvements with p value ≤ .008, except for cognition and memory FIM scores, which did not show a statistically significant difference. A majority (76%) of patients discharged home. This new and unique patient population can successfully participate in a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program and achieve functional improvements despite medical complications.

Factors Affecting Patient Safety in Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

Patient safety (PS) is of special importance in Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital (IRH). Few studies have assessed the factors affecting PS in IRH. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors affecting PS based on the experiences of the rehabilitation team in an IRH. This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach in 2020-2021. The participants were 16 members of the rehabilitation team. They were purposively selected from Rofaydeh rehabilitation hospital, Tehran, Iran. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews and was continued up to data saturation. The mean age of the participants was 37.31 ± 8.68 years and their mean work experience was 8.75 years. The factors affecting PS in IRH were classified into five main categories, namely shortage of organizational resources, inappropriate physical environment of the IRH, inappropriate PS culture, patients’ and their caregivers’ limited participation in safety programs, and poor fall prevention programs. The results of this study revealed the factors affecting PS in IRH. Accurate identification of the influential factors on PS can help healthcare providers, managers, and policymakers use multi-component interventions to improve PS culture and increase PS in IRHs. Action research studies are also recommended to determine the main components of such interventions.

Head Control Contributes to Prediction of Emergence From the Minimally Conscious State in Children Admitted to Inpatient Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo examine the utility of head and trunk control, assessed using the Physical Abilities and Mobility Scale, for predicting emergence from a minimally conscious state (eMCS) among children with acquired brain injury admitted to inpatient rehabilitation in a disorder of consciousness (DoC). DesignRetrospective study. SettingPediatric inpatient rehabilitation hospital. ParticipantsForty patients (2-21 years-old) directly admitted from acute care to pediatric inpatient brain injury rehabilitation in a DoC (average length of stay=85 days; N=40). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresState of consciousness (eMCS vs not) at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. ResultsForty-five percent of patients emerged from a minimally conscious state during inpatient rehabilitation. Admission state of consciousness and head control (but not trunk control) were significantly associated with eMCS and provided complementary prognostic information. Admission state of consciousness (ie, admitting in a vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) afforded the greatest negative predictive value (93.8%), whereas admission head control ability afforded the greatest positive predictive value (81.8% for any independent head control; 100% for maintaining head-up position for >30 seconds). Fifty percent of patients who emerged during the inpatient stay did not have independent head control at admission, highlighting the importance of exploring head control as a prognostic marker in conjunction with indicators with greater sensitivity (eg, state of consciousness at admission). ConclusionsA brief measure of head control at admission may contribute to identification of a subgroup of patients who are likely to emerge.

Investigating the Prevalence, Severity, and Nature of Adverse Events in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and nature of adverse events (AEs) and provide suggestions on how to prevent AEs recurrence in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Iran. Methods: This retrospective descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2021 at Rofaydeh Rehabilitation Hospital in Tehran City, Iran. AEs associated with rehabilitation services and nursing care, which were reported in the hospital’s voluntary reporting system from 2018 to 2021 were evaluated. A standard checklist codified by the Ministry of Health of Iran was used to collect the data from the medical error documentation. The data were analyzed by the SPSS software, version 21, using descriptive statistics, the chi-square, and the Fisher exact tests. Results: A total of 5642 patients had been hospitalized in the study setting and 517 AEs had been documented during the 4 years of the study. The most common AEs in descending order were as follows: falls 288(55.7%), pressure ulcers 57(11.02%), medication errors 50(9.67%), clinical process 49(9.47%), clinical administration (issues with admission process 10(1.93%) and wrong patient identification 5(0.96%). Among 58(11.21%) cases of hospital-acquired infections, 45(77.58%) cases were urinary tract infections. There was a significant relationship between age and fall (P=0.026), pressure ulcer (P=0.006), and hospital-acquired infection (P=0.001), and between gender and fall (P=0.01), pressure ulcer (P=003), and hospital-acquired infection (P=0.01). The severity of identified AEs was categorized into mild 431(83.36%), moderate 61(11.79%), and severe 25(4.83%). The most common causes of AEs were limited supervision of patients by healthcare providers. Discussion: This study showed that patient fall, pressure ulcer, and hospital-acquired infection were the most prevalent AEs in the rehabilitation hospital. Future efforts to improve patient safety in these settings should focus on reducing such AEs along with removing barriers to voluntary incident reporting.