Education & Communication

We understand that referring physicians, case managers, family members and others are part of the rehabilitative process along with the patient and our treatment team. So we emphasize constant and open communication with everyone involved. Weekly medical conferences offer opportunities for family members to ask questions and provide input. Referring physicians are invited to attend rounds, and are kept up-to-date on their patient's progress by our medical director.

Patient and family education is also essential to the patient's success in rehabilitation. Before leaving to go home, patients, their families and other caregivers go through intensive training in home care led by our own staff as well as equipment manufacturers and others. Our objective is to ensure that patients and families have the knowledge and skills they need to feel comfortable and confident in continuing rehabilitation at home.

Our involvement doesn't end when a patient leaves us. We continue to follow up with patients for up to one year after discharge to make sure their recovery process is continuing. We are available to answer questions, talk to family members, and refer patients to services and sources of information as needed. We especially look forward to seeing our former patients at a reunion gathering we hold each year. We're gratified when past patients return to the Acute Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit as mentors, offering current patients hope and encouragement as they undergo the arduous but rewarding work of returning to independent breathing.