I recently had the great opportunity to talk to Stacy Smallfield, a healthcare innovation designer and former occupational therapist. It was good to talk to someone in the field who confirmed a few hunches of mine, as well explaining some of more of the nuances of the system. Here are a few of my key take-aways:
-There are generally four types of rehabilitation patient types:
1. Medically Complex- may have one main condition which they are in the hospital for, along with many other conditions
2. Neurological- patients suffering from brain traumas or strokes
3. Wound care- patients will be on bed rest for a long time (ex: burn patients with skin graffs)
4. Renal failure- long-term dialysis patients
-Outpatient therapists are seen 1-3 times a week, and if they are homebound, medicare may send a physical therapist to them
-Medicare only pays for seeing a therapist as long as “necessary”
-This “necessary” is defined by being trained in everyday activities (dressing/toilet/etc).
If these goals have been achieved OR if progress has plateaued, then medicare ends funding.
-Patients rely on conversations with therapists to understand goals/progress (these goals are usually co-created)
-Medical staff sometimes seen as “god”—-> patients rely on them instead of being proactive
-People often don’t realize limitations until home, sometimes they do not see the necessity at the hospital (i.e. “This isn’t like my bed, I can do this when I get home”)
-The emotional barriers are huge, patients medically are prone to deep depressions after injury/illness
-Once you are able to get them onboard with the goals/treatment, huge difference is made
-You must help them understand the challenges they will be facing
Time + Empowerment + Encouragement ===> how to get better
-Give people opportunities to succeed
-Give people examples of success
-People reach out for support from strangers like them + family/friends
both types are offer a different kind of understanding/support
