Baltimore, MD 21207
1-888-4KERNAN (453-7626)
Programs and Services
The Orthopaedic Inpatient Rehabilitation Program
About the Program
Developed by dedicated top-notch rehabilitation specialists, the state-of-the-art Orthopaedic Inpatient Rehabilitation Program provides daily medical management, education and psychosocial support for patients with a variety of orthopaedic conditions, including joint replacements and multiple fractures and traumas. As they progress through the program, patients gain the strength and confidence they need to recover daily living skills and achieve community re-entry.
The Interdisciplinary Team
Patients are first evaluated by an interdisciplinary team. During this evaluation, team members assess the patient's physical abilities and medical status, including his or her range of motion, motor control, balance and functional mobility. Once this initial assessment is complete, the interdisciplinary team meets to coordinate care, develop an individualized treatment plan, set goals and establish a projected discharge date.
Depending on the patient's unique needs, the members of his or her interdisciplinary team may include physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians; an internal medicine physician; nurses; physical, occupational and recreational therapists; case managers; and a dietician.
A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach
Patient treatment plans typically involve a combination of therapies based on a patient's unique needs and abilities. Most plans include special training and education sessions that give patients the opportunity to "practice" daily living skills in the presence of knowledgeable rehabilitation specialists.
As patients progress through their treatment plan, tolerance levels are gently increased and important injury precaution strategies are rehearsed. To control pain and prevent further joint degeneration and deformity complications, splinting and other adaptive equipment may be used.
Evaluating a Patient's Progress and Care
A patient's interdisciplinary team holds weekly meetings to discuss and evaluate his or her progress and care.
Family Involvement
Family members and designated caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in their loved one's rehabilitation process. Patient education and therapy sessions, both of which are always open to families and caregivers, feature excellent opportunities to learn more about a loved one's condition and progress. As part of the Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Program's comprehensive patient/family educational offerings, formalized education and training are provided to discuss and review any preparations necessary for a patient's discharge.
The Role of the Case Manager
The case manager is the link between the family and the members of the patient's interdisciplinary team. He or she keeps families informed about their loved one's progress and helps them make important discharge preparations. The case manager also serves as the point of contact for insurance issues, working closely with the family and insurer to identify and address any potential problems.
Outpatient Follow-Up Care
Patients requiring outpatient therapy may be referred to one of Kernan's three physical therapy outpatient centers located in Woodlawn, Millersville and Timonium. If appropriate, some patients may receive hospital or aquatic-based outpatient therapy. For more information about outpatient follow-up care, please call 410-448-6599.
A Variety of Specialized Services are Offered to Patients, Including:
- Splint and bracing needs, assessment and fabrication
- Onsite surgical-orthopaedic consultations
- Training on the proper use of functional mobility devices and adaptive equipment
- Mobility assessment, treatment and recommendations for patients with complicated ambulatory issues
- Functional living practice (i.e., helping patients resume or make adaptations to their daily living activities)
Kernan Hospital is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities as a Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.