Integrating holistic early rehabilitation in acute care: Evidence-Based strategies for enhancing patient outcomes and optimizing costs

Title : Integrating holistic early rehabilitation in acute care: Evidence-Based strategies for enhancing patient outcomes and optimizing costs

Abstract:

This presentation explores the critical role of holistic early rehabilitation within acute care environments, emphasizing its transformative impact on patient outcomes, its potential to prevent Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), and its effectiveness in reducing healthcare costs. By leveraging the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model alongside trauma-informed care frameworks, this approach fosters a comprehensive strategy to support early intervention practices. The discussion on early mobilization will include the development and application of specialized training programs and mobility protocols, as well as strategies for nurturing an institutional culture that embraces early intervention. Moreover, the presentation will highlight the importance of institutional support and proactive leadership in spearheading these initiatives, demonstrating how these elements are key for successful implementation. Additionally, the presentation will outline the significant health benefits and cost-efficiency of early rehabilitation, showcasing the collective contributions to enhanced long-term health outcomes for patients. The critical role of interdisciplinary teams in these practices will be examined, showing the collaborative efforts required among healthcare professionals to assess, initiate, monitor, and advance timely rehabilitation interventions. From an economic perspective, this session offers insights into how early rehabilitation in acute care not only fosters better health outcomes but also drives significant cost savings. Overall, this presentation will provide a deep exploration of the methodologies and advantages of integrating holistic early rehabilitation into acute care settings, through the lens of evidence-based practices, the ICF and trauma-informed care frameworks, and strategic institutional initiatives.

Objectives: 
1. Explore how holistic early rehabilitation positively influences patient outcomes, prevents Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), and lowers healthcare costs.
2. Learn to effectively use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model and trauma-informed care principles to enhance early intervention strategies in acute care.
3. Gain enhanced knowledge to create and implement training programs and mobility protocols that encourage early mobilization and support a proactive culture for early intervention in healthcare settings.
4. Discover the critical role of teamwork and the methods by which interdisciplinary teams effectively advance rehabilitation interventions in acute care settings.

Biography:

Dr. Vatwani holds graduate degrees including a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education and Leadership in Healthcare. She currently serves as the Graduate Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and as a Clinical Associate Professor at Old Dominion University (ODU). Prior to her appointment at ODU, she was an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Vatwani has an extensive background in acute care physical therapy, having served a decade at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Her research agenda is dedicated to enhancing cultural competence, advancing interprofessional education, and improving physical therapy education in acute care, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary specialties. She is the recipient of the 2022 Healthcare Diversity Leader Award from the National Diversity Council and the 2022 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Minority Faculty Development Award. Currently, Dr. Vatwani is elected to serve on APTA’s Academy of Leadership and Innovation Global Health SIG Nominating Committee and as the Chair of the APTA Acute Care Education Committee for a three-year term.