Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit Research Articles

Sleep Disruption After Brain Injury Is Associated With Worse Motor Outcomes and Slower Functional Recovery

Background. Sleep is important for consolidation of motor learning, but brain injury may affect sleep continuity and therefore rehabilitation outcomes. Objective. This study aims to assess the relationship between sleep quality and motor recovery in brain injury patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation. Methods. Fifty-nine patients with brain injury were recruited from 2 specialist inpatient rehabilitation units. Sleep quality was assessed (up to 3 times) objectively using actigraphy (7 nights) and subjectively using the Sleep Condition Indicator. Motor outcome assessments included Action Research Arm test (upper limb function), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (motor impairment), and the Rivermead Mobility Index. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was assessed at admission and discharge by the clinical team. Fifty-five age- and gender-matched healthy controls completed one assessment. Results. Inpatients demonstrated lower self-reported sleep quality (P < .001) and more fragmented sleep (P < .001) than controls. For inpatients, sleep fragmentation explained significant additional variance in motor outcomes, over and above that explained by admission FIM score (P < .017), such that more disrupted sleep was associated with poorer motor outcomes. Using stepwise linear regression, sleep fragmentation was the only variable found to explain variance in rate of change in FIM (R2adj = 0.12, P = .027), whereby more disrupted sleep was associated with slower recovery. Conclusions. Inpatients with brain injury demonstrate impaired sleep quality, and this is associated with poorer motor outcomes and slower functional recovery. Further investigation is needed to determine how sleep quality can be improved and whether this affects outcome.

An analysis of fall incidence rate and risk factors in an inpatient rehabilitation unit: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT Background Accurate prediction of fall likelihood is advantageous for instituting fall prevention program in rehabilitation facilities. Objective This study was designed to determine the clinical measures, which can predict the risk of fall events in a rehabilitation hospital. Methods Medical records of 166 patients (114 males and 52 females) who were hospitalized in an adult inpatient unit of a rehabilitation hospital were retrospectively analyzed for this study. As predictor variables for assessing fall risk, demographic data and the following measurements were selectively collected from patient’s medical records: Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment-Ambulation (POMA-G), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10 m walk test, 2 min walk test, Korean version Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (KMBI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), and Morse Fall Scale (Morse FS). Results The Morse FS, TUG, and age were found to be risk factors for the classification of faller and non-faller groups. Conclusion This study suggests Morse FS, TUG, and age in the routine initial assessment upon admission in a rehabilitation setting, as key variables for screening the risk of fall. Additionally, the cutoff scores of Morse FS and TUG were observed to be more rigid than other clinical settings.

Homeless men with psychosis are spending more time shelterless

The objective of this study was to determine if homeless men with psychosis in central Melbourne have spent a greater proportion of the past 12 months in homeless settings as compared with the same group 15 years previously. A 12-month accommodation history was collected from all men with psychosis assessed by a homeless outreach mental health team over a 12-month period commencing 2018 and compared with data from 2006. Between 2006 and 2018, the percentage of time spent homeless in the previous 12 months rose from 50% to 80% (p = 0.0001). The mean time spent shelterless increased from 72 days to 149 days (p = 0.0001). The amount of time spent homeless has increased in men with psychosis assessed in central Melbourne. This finding suggests that men with psychosis are becoming increasingly entrenched in homeless settings. Addressing this trend requires an increased emphasis on assertive outreach, greater access to acute inpatient and long-term rehabilitation units, and more low cost affordable housing, including housing first facilities.

1136 Polysomnography Is Feasible During Inpatient TBI Rehabilitation

Abstract Introduction A recent meta-analytic report highlighted that obstructive sleep apnea was 12 times more prevalent in TBI (mixed severity) than in community-based samples. Recent studies highlight prevalent obstructive sleep apnea during acute inpatient rehabilitation which is a time of critical neural repair. Acute sleep disturbances are associated with therapy cooperation due to effects on daytime sleepiness and are associated with key rehabilitation outcomes. Given the high rates of OSA and risk for negative morbidity, this analysis sought to examine the feasibility of administering polysomnography (PSG) with EEG to diagnose sleep apnea during inpatient rehabilitation in persons with moderate to severe TBI. Methods This is a secondary analysis from a prospective diagnostic comparative effectiveness clinical trial (NCT03033901) that took place at six NIDILRR and one VA TBI Model System Centers. Participants were included if they met the TBI Model System case definition and slept at least 2 hours per night prior to PSG. PSG was conducted following AASM procedures in the participant’s hospital bed on the inpatient rehabilitation unit. Studies were scored by RPSGT staff and interpreted by a board certified sleep medicine physician at a centralized sleep scoring center in Tampa, FL. Results Of 896 potential TBI participants, 449 met initial eligibility and 345 consented for further screening; a final sample of 263 (76%) completed PSG during hospitalization. Primary reasons for not completing PSG included early discharge or medical instability (n=59) and last-minute withdrawal of consent for PSG (n=23). Of the 263 participants who completed PSG, 3 were excluded from analysis due to technical issues and 12 were excluded as the total sleep time (TST) was less than 120 minutes. Of the 248, 85.5% of the PSGs were rated as interpretable/scoreable by RPSGT and sleep physicians. Conclusion For a majority of participants, polysomnography is feasible during inpatient rehabilitation. Participants with shorter lengths of stay, medical instability, prolonged agitation may require polysomnography follow-up after discharge. Support Supported by PCORI (CER-1511-33005), VA TBIMS, DVBIC with subcontract from GDIT/GDHS (W91YTZ-13-C-0015, HT0014-19-C-0004), and NIDILRR (90DPTB00070, 90DPTB00130100, 90DPTB0008, 90DPT8000402, 90DPTB0001).

Dose and setting of rehabilitation received after stroke in Queensland, Australia: a prospective cohort study

Objective: The aims of this study were to describe patterns and dose of rehabilitation received following stroke and to investigate their relationship with outcomes. Design: This was a prospective observational cohort study. Setting: A total of seven public hospitals and all subsequent rehabilitation services in Queensland, Australia, participated in the study. Subjects: Participants were consecutive patients surviving acute stroke between July 2016 and January 2017. Methods: We tracked rehabilitation for six months following stroke and obtained 90- to 180-day outcomes from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry. Measures: Dose of rehabilitation – time in therapy by physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology; modified Rankin Scale (mRS)- premorbid, acute care discharge and 90- to 180-day follow-up. Results: We recruited 504 patients, of whom 337 (median age = 73 years, 41% female) received 643 episodes of rehabilitation in 83 different services. Initial rehabilitation was predominantly inpatient (260/337, 77%) versus community-based (77/337, 21%). Therapy time was greater within inpatient services (median = 29 hours) compared to community-based (6 hours) or transition care (16 hours). Median (Quartile 1, Quartile 3) six-month cumulative therapy time was 73 hours (40, 130) when rehabilitation commenced in stroke units and continued in inpatient rehabilitation units; 43 hours (23, 78) when commenced in inpatient rehabilitation units; and 5 hours (2, 9) with only community rehabilitation. In 317 of 504 (63%) with follow-up data, improvement in mRS was most likely with inpatient rehabilitation (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.7–7.7), lower with community rehabilitation (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.7–3.8) compared to no rehabilitation, after adjustment for baseline factors. Conclusion: Amount of therapy varied widely between rehabilitation pathways. Amount of therapy and chance of improvement in function were highest with inpatient rehabilitation.

Considerations for Postacute Rehabilitation for Survivors of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first reported on December 31, 2019. Because it has only been studied for just over three months, our understanding of this disease is still incomplete, particularly regarding its sequelae and long-term outcomes. Moreover, very little has been written about the rehabilitation needs of patients with COVID-19 after discharge from acute care. The objective of this report is to answer the question “What rehabilitation services do survivors of COVID-19 require?” The question was asked within the context of a subacute hospital delivering geriatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Three areas relevant to rehabilitation after COVID-19 were identified. First, details of how patients may present have been summarized, including comorbidities, complications from an intensive care unit stay with or without intubation, and the effects of the virus on multiple body systems, including those pertaining to cardiac, neurological, cognitive, and mental health. Second, I have suggested procedures regarding the design of inpatient rehabilitation units for COVID-19 survivors, staffing issues, and considerations for outpatient rehabilitation. Third, guidelines for rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology) following COVID-19 have been proposed with respect to recovery of the respiratory system as well as recovery of mobility and function. A thorough assessment and an individualized, progressive treatment plan which focuses on function, disability, and return to participation in society will help each patient to maximize their function and quality of life. Careful consideration of the rehabilitation environment will ensure that all patients recover as completely as possible.

MON-915 Acute Abdominal Pain and the Pheochromocytoma

Background:Pheochromocytomas are neuroendocrine tumors that release large amounts of metanephrines and catecholamines, resulting in a wide array of symptoms including hypertension, diaphoresis, and headaches. If left unrecognized they can lead to serious morbidity including ischemic or hemorrhagic CVA, encephalopathy, MI, Aortic Dissection, and renal injury.Clinical Case:A 62-year-old male began having difficulties with his blood pressure over the past year. He was first hospitalized for an acute ischemic CVA with hypertensive urgency. His blood pressure was generally controlled throughout the admission but he continued to have intermittent elevations. After transferring to an inpatient rehabilitation unit he had an episode of acute nausea, severe lower abdominal pain, and emesis following dinner. He was tachycardic and hypertensive up to 190/115. Acute abdominal imaging revealed constipation but no obstruction. His symptoms resolved, returning a few hours later with another episode of acute nausea, vomiting, and severe lower abdominal pain, with blood pressure 210/126 and tachycardia. IV Metoprolol, Hydralazine and pain medications did not significantly improve his blood pressure, he was subsequently started on a Nitroglycerin drip. Abdominal workup was unremarkable, he was stabilized and discharged back to rehabilitation on increased oral medications. He continued to have blood pressure spikes up to 200/124 with nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain until a Clonidine patch was started, after which his blood pressure was better controlled. He was discharged home with continued outpatient therapies.A few weeks later he returned to the ER with nausea and severe abdominal pain, blood pressure at home was 254/185. On exam he was diaphoretic, tachycardic, and tachypneic. A CTA scan was obtained without signs of dissection. A Nitro drip with IV push Hydralazine were not effective at controlling his blood pressure, and so Lisinopril, Amlodipine, and a Clonidine patch were added. Over the next few days he had progressively fewer hypertensive elevations and his symptoms were only present during hypertensive episodes. An extensive workup for secondary hypertension was started. 24-hour plasma and urine Metanephrines were within normal limits. Urine Normetanephrine was elevated to 1266 ug/24h (Ref 88-444). Urine Norepinephrine was elevated to 124 ug/24h (Ref 15-80), Urine Dopamine was elevated to 578 ug/24h (Ref 65-400), and total Catecholamines were elevated to 133 ug/24h (Ref 15-100).Conclusion:This case illustrates the variance in presentations for Pheochromocytoma and the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for secondary causes in patients with intractable hypertension. While commonly reported symptoms include nausea and hypertension, the presentation of acute abdominal pain as the primary complaint is also an important feature of this disease.

Pediatric intracranial arteriovenous malformations: Examining rehabilitation outcomes.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture in children can cause debilitating neurological injury. Rehabilitation is key to recovery, though literature details little regarding rehabilitation outcomes. We examined a single-center experience with pediatric AVMs as related to acute inpatient rehabilitation outcomes. At our institution, a retrospective chart review was completed examining all cases of intracranial AVMs in patients age 18 and younger who completed our acute inpatient rehabilitation program between 2012-2018. Patient characteristics, clinical data, treatment modality, and functional outcomes were reviewed. 14 patients with AVMs underwent acute inpatient rehabilitation; nine (64.3%) treated surgically at our institution, two (14.3%) non-surgically at our institution, and three (21.4%) surgically at an outside facility prior to transitioning care at our institution. Eight (57.1%) were male, seven (50.0%) Caucasian, and seven (50.0%) Hispanic. Seven (50.0%) presented with AVM rupture; six (42.9%) were found incidentally on imaging. Clinical courses, treatment outcomes, and post-treatment complications varied. Several patients underwent repeat treatment or additional procedures. Neurological deficits identified included hemiparesis, dystonia, spasticity, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and ataxia. Inpatient rehabilitation unit length of stay was on average 21 days (SD 9.02, range 9-41). Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM®) scores, including self-care, mobility, and cognition, demonstrated improvement upon discharge. The mean total change was 36.7 points in those treated surgically, 16.5 in those treated non-surgically, and 25.7 in those treated surgically at another facility. We found that all pediatric patients with intracranial AVMs, across all treatment modalities, demonstrated improved outcomes across all functional domains after an acute inpatient rehabilitation program.

Implementation of a randomized controlled trial on an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit: Lessons learned

Background/AimsThe objective of this manuscript is to present challenges and solutions that arose during a mid-sized single-site RCT of a rehabilitation intervention performed in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation setting. MethodsSeventy-six participants from an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit were randomized to experimental and control groups. All participants did 30–45 min of virtual reality (VR) daily for 10–12 sessions. The experimental group did VR targeting sitting balance while the control group did VR with limited arm movement. Challenges during the implementation of the RCT were documented and strategies to mitigate them were applied. ResultsChallenges were placed into five categories:1. Recruitment. Our recruitment procedures required multiple steps prior to initiating direct patient contact; one solution would be to have patients consent to be approached about research upon admission to the inpatient unit.2. Patient-specific Issues. Fatigue, pain, vision problems and engagement were managed through scheduling, increasing the workload slowly and personalized modifications to the VR.3./4. Scheduling and Staffing. Recruitment and attendance at VR sessions were maximized through good communication, flexibility and cooperation, between research staff, clinical staff, volunteers, students and participants.5. Technology. Because hospital internet service was poor, a mobile internet data plan was purchased to ensure the system's reliability. ConclusionsWe have identified challenges in delivering a rehabilitation intervention on an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit and some of the measures taken to surmount these challenges. Through good planning, flexibility and collaboration, almost all of the challenges were successfully addressed. Clinical trial registration numberURL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02285933.

Evaluation of a staff behaviour change intervention to increase the use of ward-based practice books and active practice during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a phase-1 pre–post observational study

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a staff behaviour change intervention to increase the use of ward-based practice books and active practice by stroke inpatients. Design: This is a pre–post observational study. Setting: This study was conducted in a inpatient rehabilitation unit in Australia. Subjects: Stroke inpatients participated in the study. Intervention: A staff behaviour change intervention was designed to support staff to implement practice books. The intervention included staff training on motivation and coaching, and weekly audit and feedback for six months. The environment was restructured to bring staff together weekly at the bedside to review audit data and share skills. Main measures: Medical record audit and behavioural mapping were used to compare the number of stroke participants with/using a practice book pre- and post-intervention. Pre- and post-intervention, the percentage of observations where a stroke participant was actively practising, repetitions of practice recorded and type of supervision were compared. Results: A total of 24 participants were observed (n = 12 pre, n = 12 post). Post-intervention, the number of participants with practice books increased from one to six (OR = 11, 95% CI = (0.9, 550.7)), but this change was not statistically significant (P = 0.069). Five participants recorded repetitions in their practice books post-intervention, three were observed using practice books. There was no change in median repetitions recorded (rpbs = 0.00, 95% CI = (−0.4, 0.4), P = 1.000) or observed active practice (rpbs = –0.02, 95% CI = (−0.4, 0.4), P = 0.933). Active practice was often fully supervised by a therapist. Conclusion: A staff behaviour change intervention has the potential to increase the number of stroke survivors receiving ward-based practice books but did not increase active practice.

Mental health nurses in non-uniform: Facilitator of recovery process?

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Many Western countries have abandoned the wearing of nurse uniforms on inpatient mental health wards. The adoption of a non-uniform policy in Hong Kong was recently introduced in select rehabilitation units to align with the philosophy of the recovery model. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The findings suggest that nurses perceived wearing non-uniform might help to reduce the self-stigma of service users and develop better self-esteem. The perceived potential benefits of the introduction of a non-uniform policy seemed to outweigh the perceived drawbacks. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The results further acknowledge the potential positive effects of nurses wearing non-uniform on facilitating psychiatric service users' recovery process. However, further research on service users' perspectives is required. The wearing of non-uniform may be considered to be extended to other psychiatric wards in Hong Kong and other similar Asian settings in order to potentially help promote patient's recovery and to reduce emotional distance between staff and service users. ABSTRACT: Introduction A non-uniform policy was recently adopted in selected Hong Kong rehabilitation wards to align with the philosophy of the recovery model. The change in policy is relatively novel in Asia, where no previous studies have reported how this may influence nursing care and service users' recovery. Aim To explore Hong Kong Mental Health Nurses' views about wearing non-uniform within an inpatient rehabilitation unit in regard to facilitating service users' recovery process. Method A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, utilizing individual in-depth semi-structured research interviews. Results A total of 12 interviews were conducted with nurse participants. The analysis process identified 3 main themes and 9 subthemes. Main themes were "building up rapport with service users," "non-uniform helps deinstitutionalization" and "different approaches to maximize the benefit and to minimize the risk." Discussion Despite some concerns, the majority of nurse participants positively viewed the policy of wearing non-uniform and felt it was potentially beneficial to service users' recovery process. Implications for practice Nurses perceived that wearing non-uniform may facilitate meaningful therapeutic engagement, and may help to reduce the self-stigma and develop the self-esteem of service users. Other inpatient units in Hong Kong and similar Asian settings might consider adopting the policy.

Sitting Balance Exercise Performed Using Virtual Reality Training on a Stroke Rehabilitation Inpatient Service: A Randomized Controlled Study

Virtual reality training (VRT) is engaging and may enhance rehabilitation intensity. Only one previous study has looked at its use to improve sitting balance after stroke. To determine if supplemental sitting balance exercises, administered via VRT, improve control of sitting balance and upper extremity function in stroke rehabilitation inpatients. Assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. Stroke inpatient rehabilitation unit. Seventy-six participants (out of 130 approached) with subacute stroke who could not stand independently were randomized to experimental and control groups. Sixty-nine completed the study. The experimental group did VRT that required leaning and reaching, whereas the control group had their trunk restrained and performed VRT that involved only small upper extremity movements to minimize trunk movement. Both groups performed 10-12 sessions of 30-45 minutes. Participants were assessed pre, post, and 1 month after the sessions by a blinded examiner. Function in Sitting Test (FIST, primary outcome measure); Ottawa Sitting Scale; Reaching Performance Scale; Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Thirty-three participants completed the experimental intervention and 36 the control. Pre/post differences for FIST were 3.4 (confidence interval [CI] 0.5;6.3) for the experimental group and 5.3 (2.9;7.7) for the control group. There was a significant improvement over time (adjusted for multiple comparisons, P < .006) on most outcome measures except the WMFT Performance Time Scale (control group; P = .007) and grip strength (P = .008); there were no differences between groups (P > .006). Siting balance outcomes were similar for both groups; therefore, this study does not support the use of sitting balance exercises provided via VRT for the rehabilitation of sitting balance after stroke. However, because it is only the second study to investigate VRT for sitting balance and upper extremity function, more research, using more challenging exercises and a greater treatment intensity, is required before definitive conclusions are made.

The effect of zoledronic acid on attenuation of bone loss at the hip and knee following acute traumatic spinal cord injury: a randomized-controlled study.

Randomized double blind, placebo-controlled trial. To examine the effect of early intravenous zoledronic acid (ZA) on bone markers and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in persons with acute ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Two inpatient rehabilitation units. Thirteen men, 2 women, aged 19-65, C4-T10 AIS A SCI, received 5 mg intravenous ZA vs. placebo 12-21 days post injury. Markers of bone formation (procollagen N-1 terminal propeptide [P1NP]), bone resorption (serum C-telopeptide [CTX]), and aBMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for hip (femur-proximal, intertrochanteric, neck), and knee (distal femur, proximal tibia) were obtained at baseline, 2 weeks post infusion (P1NP, CTX only), 4 and 12 months post injury. P1NP remained unchanged, while CTX decreased in ZA but increased in controls at 2 weeks (mean difference = -97%, p < 0.01), 4 months (mean difference = -54%, p < 0.05), but not 12 months (mean difference = 3%, p = 0.23). Changes in aBMD at the hip favored ZA at 4 months (mean difference 10.3-14.1%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (mean difference 10.8-13.1%, p < 0.02). At 4 months, changes in aBMD favored ZA at the distal femur (mean difference 6.0%, 95% CI: 0.7-11.2, p < 0.03) but not proximal tibia (mean difference 8.3%, 95% CI: -6.9 to 23.6, p < 0.23). Both groups declined in aBMD at 12 months, with no between group differences. ZA administered ≤21 days of complete traumatic SCI maintains aBMD at the hip and distal femur at 4 months post injury. This effect is partially maintained at 12 months.

Dual diagnosis: the prevalence of brain injury and spinal cord injury in the pediatric population and its impact on length of stay

Objective: To determine the prevalence of pediatric patients with dual diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury (DDS) to patients diagnosed with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to determine how the presence of a brain injury affects rehabilitation outcomes and length of stay. Design: A 9-year retrospective chart review of patients with pediatric spinal cord injury admitted for inpatient rehabilitation was completed. Setting: A 28- bed Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit of a tertiary care regional referral center. Participants: 212 pediatric patients, ranging from 0 to 21 years of age who sustained a traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury requiring admission to acute rehabilitation between January 2008 and December 2017. Interventions: N/A Results: The mean age of the population was 9.9 years at the time of admission. The average length of time from the injury to admission was 20.4 days. This patient population was 54% male and 46% female. Overall, 31.6% of children with SCI had concomitant brain injury, with 50% of children with traumatic SCI sustaining a brain injury. The length of stay was 25.9 days for patients with SCI alone; however, it was 38.2 days for children with DDS. Conclusion: The incidence of DDS in the traumatic pediatric spinal cord injury population is relatively common and appropriate screenings should be anticipated. Patients with DDS have the potential to achieve similar functional gains as SCI patients without brain injuries but appropriate adjustments should be made to their plans of care, including adjusting expected length of hospital stay.

Benefit of a Stroke Management Program.

Hospital participation in stroke bundle programs presents financial risk. There are limited comparative data on the success of such programs. The authors aimed to assess the success of a management program in reducing the number of patients admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), average length of stay, and the number of patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation units. Three program metrics included reduction in number of stroke patients admitted to SNF, reduction in length of stay at SNFs, and reduced 90-day hospital readmission rates. The program was implemented during a 3-year period from October 1, 2015, through September 30, 2018, included 803 patients in the data, and demonstrated financial gain with positive patient outcomes. There was a 0.5% reduction in the number of stroke patients admitted to SNF. Sending patients home with a high-quality home care agency for rehabilitation and navigation assistance were the goals for this metric. A 1.65-day reduction in length of stay for overall SNF providers was noted. This was achieved by utilizing a preferred network of skilled facilities and community partners that the nurse navigator interfaced with weekly. The proportion of patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitee units was 2.2% less than in the baseline years. With the implementation of a stroke nurse navigator, hospital readmissions as a percentage of admissions for stroke decreased by 4%. Overall return on investment was greater than 400% after accounting for additional staffing and data/license fees.

Family violence screening and disclosure in a large metropolitan hospital: A health service users’ survey

Objectives:Assisting patients who are experiencing family violence is an important issue for health services. Rates of screening for family violence in general hospital settings in Australia are unclear. This study was conducted to obtain data on hospital family violence screening rates and health service users’ perceptions of the screening process, in a large metropolitan hospital in Australia.Methods:Clients from the clinical caseloads of social work and psychology staff were invited to participate in a tablet administered, online survey of their family violence screening experiences, within the health service.Results:A total of 59 surveys were completed by hospital users, who had been treated in areas including the emergency department, acute inpatient wards, sub-acute and rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. Less than half the sample reported being screened for family violence at the health service. One-quarter of the respondents reported disclosing family violence concerns, with one-fifth wanting to disclose, but not feeling comfortable to do so. The majority of respondents who disclosed family violence felt supported by the response of the staff member and were provided with information they found helpful. However, further work could be done to improve screening rates, environmental and organizational factors to promote users feeling comfortable to disclose, and staff responses to disclosures.Conclusion:The results of the survey will be used to inform the development of a hospital-wide family violence training initiative aimed to improve staff knowledge, confidence, rates of screening, and clinical responses to family violence.

Nurses Beliefs, Attitudes, and Perception Related to Work in Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, a qualitative Study

Objective: This Study aims to explore Nurses beliefs, attitudes and perception related to work in inpatient stroke rehabilitation Unit. Background: Role of the nurses in the rehabilitation process has increased dramatically for last two decades. Many attempts have been done to identify the role of the nurses in the Inpatient stroke rehabilitation units, they concluded that nurses are involved as an essential part of the rehabilitation process, however, their contribution to improving patient's outcomes is poorly understood and refined. Design: hermeneutic phenomenology, qualitative approach. Methods: The data were collected by using a semi-structured interview, using open-ended questions then the major themes Transcribed for thematic analysis. Results: Two Main categories were identified; the experience of nurses in Stroke rehabilitation units and the challenges in nursing contribution in stroke units, and the recommended strategies to enhance the role of the nurses in stroke rehab units. Conclusion/Relevance to clinical practice: The study provided an evidence that nurses believe in themselves as an effective team member in stroke rehabilitation, and they are enjoying while helping patients to recover to allow them to reintegrate and adapt to their new life situations. However, this study showed a lot of obstacles that minimize the contribution of nursing in stroke rehabilitation units. The future nursing rehab role should also be developed to meet the post-discharge needs and the emerging rehabilitation services and technologies, moreover, nurses have to clear and specify their specific bedside care and interventions. Nurses have to adopt new knowledge and competencies in collaboration with other disciplines such as occupational therapies, physical therapy, and speech therapy, to upgrade their assessment and intervention skills that enable the nurses to provide systematic and therapeutic feedback about the patient progress and the proper interventions that needed to reflects that on the functional abilities on discharge.

Benchmarking length of stay for inpatient stroke rehabilitation without adversely affecting functional outcomes.

To evaluate the effects of introducing the practice of targeting a discharge date for patients admitted to an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit on process and patient outcomes. Comparison of retrospective (control group n = 69) and prospective (experimental group n = 60) patients. Rehabilitation professionals assessed both groups at admission and discharge using a standard-ized assessment toolkit. Benchmarks for length of rehabilitation stay (LoRS) were introduced based on median severity-specific LoRSs in the control group. The multidisciplinary team documented facilitators and obstacles affecting the prediction of patient benchmark attainment. Categorical variables were compared using a χ2 test with exact probabilities. Ordinal and continuous variables were analysed using rank-based non-parametric analysis of variance. Effect sizes were estimated using a relative treatment effect statistic. The mean combined length of stay in acute care and rehabilitation beds for the experimental group (82 days) was shorter (p = 0.0084) than that of the control group (103 days). This 21-day reduction in combined length of stay included a 10-day reduction in the mean time between stroke onset and admission to the stroke rehabilitation unit (p = 0.000014). Improvements in 6 func-tional and sensorimotor outcomes with rehabilitation were of similar magnitude in both groups, while Functional Independence Measure (FIMTM) efficiency improved (p = 0.022). The team was 87% successful in predicting which patients were discharged on the LoRS benchmark. Benchmarking the length of stay in rehabilitation resulted in reduced bed occupation and system costs without adversely affecting functional and sensorimotor patient outcomes.

The Lived Experience and Patient-reported Benefits of Yoga Participation in an Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation Setting.

Context:The multifactorial benefits of yoga have been well documented in the literature, with the integration of yoga therapy into healthcare being an emerging field. In general, yoga therapy programs are utilized in the community as an adjunct to other therapy. At present, limited rehabilitation units routinely incorporate integrative therapy options within a hospital environment.Aims:The aim of this study is to explore the lived experience and patient-reported benefits of yoga in an inpatient brain injury rehabilitation setting.Settings and Design:Thirty-one participants were recruited to the study after voluntarily participating in a yoga class within an inpatient brain injury rehabilitation unit of a major metropolitan hospital. Yoga sessions were held weekly for 60 min and consisted of a modified Hatha yoga style. This was a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest study.Methodology:Quantitative data were collected to measure perceptions of relaxation and well-being before and after yoga classes, along with the satisfaction of the class. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect qualitative data of experiences and perceptions associated with yoga participation.Statistical Analysis Used:Thematic analysis was completed for qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using nonparametric statistical methods, and descriptive statistics were also provided.Results:The benefits described by participants are reported in this paper. These include improved relaxation, physical well-being, emotional well-being, being present, and self-awareness.Conclusions:This study describes the personal benefits experienced from regular yoga participation within an inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Association Between Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Services and Children's Functional Outcomes: King Fahad Medical City Experience.

Background:Disability may affect children’s performance of functional activities. This may translate to difficulties in returning to home and/or school. It has been documented that intensive rehabilitation programs for children with disabilities lead to an improvement in their functional abilities. Wee-FIM is a valid and reliable outcome measure that is used commonly with children undergoing rehabilitation.Objectives:To study changes in the functional status of children admitted to a specialized pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit.Design:A retrospective cohort study.Setting:King Fahad Medical City—Rehabilitation Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods:Investigators reviewed records of children admitted to a pediatric rehabilitation unit between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017. The outcome measures used were rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), Wee-FIM gain, and Wee-FIM efficiency.Results:The total number of records included in this study was 361 records. Sixty percent of the children were boys. The mean age was 8.7 ± 3.8 years (range, 3-17 years). Children with cerebral palsy accounted for 45.2% of the children. The mean LOS was 43 days. Children with brain tumors had the shortest LOS compared with children with other diagnoses. Mean (SD) Wee-FIM efficiency was 0.58 (±0.6). Highest Wee-FIM efficiency was observed in children with brain tumors. Average Wee-FIM gain was 20 (±15). The highest functional gain was 27 in children with brain tumors while the lowest was 16 in children with cerebral palsy.Conclusions:Intensive inpatient rehabilitation program is associated with improvement in functional performance in children with a variety of impairments and disabilities.