John R. Callen is the CEO and Managing Partner of MedRehab Alliance and Joint & Neuro Rehab Associates. In the following article, John R. Callen discusses how targeted physical therapy interventions can significantly reduce hospital readmissions, improving both patient outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system as a whole.
Hospital readmissions are a major issue in the healthcare industry. They are costly, disruptive, and often indicative of inadequate care during an initial stay. While many factors contribute to readmission rates, physical therapy has recently gained attention as an increasingly significant component of post-acute care.
Studies Show Positive Effects of Physical Therapy
According to a study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, physical therapy interventions can significantly reduce readmission rates for patients with certain conditions. After analyzing the cases of over 4,000 patients in total, researchers discovered that those who received physical therapy services were significantly less likely to require hospital readmission within 30 days after discharge explains John R. Callen.
John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance explains that another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, backs up these assertions. It showed that patients who participated in physical therapy programs were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, and experienced better functional outcomes compared to those who did not participate in such programs.
A systematic review of studies published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science showed that PT decreased hospital admissions for patients with a number of conditions, including heart failure, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance says that the review showed an association between physical therapy and a 33% lower hospital stays among these conditions.
How Physical Therapy Can Make a Difference
John R. Callen of Joint & Neuro Rehab Associates says that physical therapy has the potential to reduce hospital readmissions through various means:
- Early Mobility: Encouraging patients to move and participate in physical activity as soon as possible after surgery or illness can help avoid complications and promote healing. Studies have demonstrated that early mobility interventions reduce hospital readmission rates, particularly for those recovering from conditions such as pneumonia or congestive heart failure.
- Individualized Care Plans: John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance says that physical therapists can create customized care plans for each patient to address individual needs and goals. This personalized approach can help ensure that patients receive the most suitable interventions tailored to their particular situations.
- Education and Training: Physical therapists can offer patients and their caregivers the education and skills to manage their conditions at home, such as strategies for avoiding falls, managing pain, and maintaining mobility.
- Transition Planning: A PT can play a pivotal role in helping patients transition from the hospital to other care settings, such as skilled nursing facilities or home care. This involves coordinating with other healthcare professionals and making sure patients have all of the necessary support systems and available resources to continue their recovery process.
Real-World Examples of Physical Therapy Success Stories
Many healthcare organizations have implemented physical therapy programs to reduce hospital readmissions.
- Mount Sinai Health System in New York City has implemented a Rehabilitation Optimization Program that emphasizes early mobility and personalized care plans. As a result, readmission rates have significantly declined for patients with various medical conditions.
- The Intermountain Healthcare system in Utah has implemented an extensive physical therapy program for those recovering from joint replacement surgery. This consists of pre-surgery education, in-hospital physical therapy, and post-discharge follow-up, leading to lower readmission rates and improved patient outcomes.
Integrating Physical Therapy into Post-Acute Care
John R. Callen of Joint & Neuro Rehab Associates explains that as evidence grows regarding physical therapy reducing hospital readmissions, healthcare organizations must prioritize including these services within their post-acute care strategies in a number of ways.
- Boost Staffing and Resources: Ensuring physical therapists are available to provide the necessary interventions in post-acute care settings is of paramount importance. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities may need to invest in additional staff, equipment, and resources to meet the demand for physical therapy services.
- Collaboration and Communication: John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance says that physical therapists must collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and case managers, to better ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their recovery. This necessitates effective communication and collaboration among all members of the care team.
- Tracking Outcomes and Altering Strategies: By monitoring patient outcomes and readmission rates, healthcare organizations can identify areas for improvement and adjust their physical therapy interventions accordingly. This data-driven approach ensures that physical therapy programs remain optimized to best serve patients’ needs.
- Expanding Telehealth Options: As telehealth continues to gain ground, healthcare organizations should consider adding remote physical therapy services to their post-acute care offerings. This will facilitate access for those facing geographic or transportation barriers and may even help reduce readmission rates.
John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance says that integration of physical therapy into post-acute care settings has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and decrease hospital readmissions. By prioritizing these interventions and investing in necessary resources, healthcare organizations can give patients the support they need to recover fully and avoid future hospital stays. Doing so would not only enhance the lives of countless individuals but also make the healthcare system more efficient and sustainable.
