Spinal Cord Injury | Patient Care Team | Goal Oriented Treatment Approach | Patients Benefit | Family Involvement | Role of the Case Manager | Outpatient Follow-Up Care | Accreditations | Kernan's Academic Advantage | Practice Location
The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program places a strong emphasis on family training and education. Family conferences, attended by members of the treatment team, family and the patient, provide an opportunity for discussion about the patient's medical status, capability for independent function, rehabilitation goals, estimated length of stay and discharge plan. Family members may be asked to attend regular therapy and nursing care sessions where they can participate in individual training with team members who prepare for discharge.
The case manager is the link between the family and members of the patient care team. The case managers keep families informed about patient progress and help them to make discharge plans. In addition, s/he serves as the point of contact for insurance issues, working closely with the family and the insurer to identify and address any potential problems.
As patients and their families prepare for discharge, the rehabilitation team will introduce them to Kernan Hospital's broad array of outpatient therapy services. These services, all of which follow a coordinated plan of care, include outpatient physician care, as well as speech-language, occupational and physical therapies. Depending on the patient's needs, a single or multidisciplinary approach may be used in conjunction with these services.
Kernan's Spinal Cord Injury Unit is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for comprehensive inpatient integrated rehabilitation program (CIIRP) and for a spinal cord injury system of care (SCSC).
As part of The University of Maryland Medical System since 1985, Kernan has full access to the vast resources of a major academic medical center, benefiting through exchange of clinical expertise and research opportunities. For instance, orthopaedic surgeons on staff at Shock Trauma, another University facility, visit patient's who are transferred to Kernan's Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program on a regular basis, insuring continuity of orthopedic care.
Kernan Hospital
2200 Kernan Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21207
410-448-6847 (appointment phone number)