Valley Hospital Recognized as One of the Top 10 Percent of Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities in the United States
Cited for care that is effective, efficient, timely and patient-centered
Valley Hospital’s acute inpatient rehabilitation unit has been recognized as one of the top 10 percent inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in the United States. It is one of 868 facilities to be ranked in the IRF database of Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSmr) in 2018.
“We are honored to be identified as one of the best inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the United States,” said Claude Wise, CEO/Managing Director of Valley Hospital. “It underscores our tireless commitment to helping our patients return to their greatest level of independence and daily living activities. Our team is devoted to the patients in their care, work hard to create a family-like atmosphere, and create a personalized approach to helping each person throughout their recovery.”
“We use a 24/7 approach with our therapy services,” explained Anna Hutchison, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA, program manager for the inpatient rehabilitation program at Valley Hospital. “Our patients incorporate what they’ve learned during therapy sessions and apply it to activities they do with the nursing staff. For example, they practice walking to the bathroom or the dining room or getting dressed with nursing assistance. The entire staff is extensively trained on safe patient handling techniques and understanding patient precautions like weight-bearing restrictions. This 24/7 attitude has improved the length of stay efficiency for our patients and the interdisciplinary team process.”
The rehabilitation team also develops activities tailored to patients’ particular interests and home activities. “We practice a lot of cooking in occupational therapy,” explained Hutchison. “Our therapists will bring in specific food so patients can create a familiar meal, which is a closer simulation to what they will do at home.”
Throughout the patient stay, however, rehab employees are ultimately preparing their patients for discharge to home. The rehab department has a full-time social worker to identify many resources for patients. On the day of discharge, patients receive a graduation t-shirt and pose with staff for their official graduation photo, which is presented to the patient. “What we considered a fun celebration ultimately becomes a motivating factor for other patients,” said Hutchison. “They are determined they will have their own graduation celebration.”
“To recognize the efficient and effective care the hospital provides to its patients, we are pleased to present this award to Valley Hospital,” said Troy Hillman, Manager of the Analytical Services Group at UDSMR. “As the creator and caretaker of the nation’s largest database of rehabilitation outcomes, and with over 30 years of experience and data, UDSMR continues working with the industry to establish best practices.
Development of the PEM Report Card has served as a tool to identify and recognize high-performing facilities, to work with them to learn how they provide efficient and effective care, and to share what we learn with others to elevate the performance of all. We look forward to working with Valley Hospital and the other top performing facilities across the country that rank in the top 10 percent to improve care in all inpatient rehabilitation facilities.”