Regional One Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital is a leader in helping patients heal and return to independent living after a serious injury or illness.
The facility is recognized for its specialized programs in brain injury and spinal cord rehabilitation, and uses the latest technology to help patients relearn life skills.
They exceed national and regional averages in terms of shorter lengths of stay, discharging patients to their home, and patient satisfaction.
Rehabilitation therapy is designed to help patients reclaim their independence, and Regional One Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital delivers on that promise by continually improving the exceptional medical care, technology and support it offers Mid-South families.
The facility admits patients ages 14 and over for stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, major multiple trauma, burn, orthopedic injuries and various neurological conditions.
Amy Ogden, MBA/MHA, Administrator, Rehabilitation Services, said the team, which is led by Medical Director Mario Ray, MD and includes rehab-certified doctors, nurses and therapists, recently earned several prestigious certifications and added new technology to help it stay on the forefront of patient care.
“Our program stands out because we have the certifications and technology that show we’re dedicated to the progress and outcomes of our patients,” Ogden said, adding the results speak for themselves: their patients have shorter lengths of stay and a higher likelihood of discharge home, and 100 percent say they would recommend the facility to others.
Key to that track record is certification by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF), an independent organization focused on improving rehabilitation services and patient outcomes. The Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital’s Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation program was recently reaccredited for another three years, and the facility earned new accreditations for its Spinal Cord Specialty Program and Brain Injury Specialty Program.
The Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital provides rehab therapy for a variety of conditions, and has obtained specialized certification to care for brain injury and spinal cord injury patients.
They are the region’s only CARF-accredited spinal cord facility and one of few with brain injury accreditation. “It’s a stamp of approval that says we provide the gold standard of care,” said Lisa Mantaro, PT, Manager, Post-Acute Therapy. “They look at everything we do – health and safety, strategic planning, technology, accessibility and more.”
“It’s a comprehensive process, and the expectation is that you continue to improve on patient satisfaction, education and outcomes,” Ogden added. “They require the highest standard of care while patients are at our facility, as well as a structured follow-up program. We follow patients throughout their lifetimes. If we reach out and they’re struggling, we set them up with a mentor and resources for job reentry, parenting, whatever it is they might need help with.”
Along with earning CARF’s endorsement, the Rehabilitation Hospital is implementing new technology designed to help patients regain important life skills. Therapists recently completed training on the Ekso NR and the Bioness L300 Go and H200, devices that help patients improve their mobility and function after a brain or spinal cord injury, stroke or other neurological issue.
The Ekso NR is a robotic exoskeleton specifically designed for use in rehabilitation settings for neuro rehab. It is the first FDA-cleared exoskeleton for acquired brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury.
“For patients who meet the criteria, the device helps train patients on transfers, standing, balance and walking. The Ekso NR facilitates a normal walking pattern with good postural control and alignment,” Mantaro said.
Dr. Mario Ray is the Medical Director of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital. He leads a team of rehab-certified physicians, nurses and therapists in providing expert patient care.
She added the Ekso NR is extremely versatile because it adjusts to each patient’s needs.
It provides customized support based on the patient’s ability, and it can continuously monitor and regulate movement to help minimize compensation. It also provides the therapist feedback and data so they can adjust their treatment plan.
“Most importantly, it allows for high-velocity, high-repetition training, which helps reteach the brain and muscles how to work again,” Mantaro said.
The Bioness devices are also proven to enhance outcomes.
The H200 is designed for hand rehabilitation and can be used long-term, with some patients even purchasing a device to use in day-to-day life. “It can improve function, help reeducate muscles, increase range of motion, prevent loss of strength and more,” Mantaro said. “It provides electrical stimulation to muscles and nerves for functional grasp and release, and can be used for general exercise or for functional tasks, like grasping a cup.”
The L300 Go provides similar functional electrical stimulation therapy for the lower extremities.
With components to fit the thigh and lower leg, the device detects gait irregularities and provides electrical stimulation to help correct thigh weakness and foot drop. Patients demonstrate improvements in walking on flat surfaces as well as stairs, ramps and uneven terrain.
“All of these devices allow our therapists to provide more intensive rehabilitation, and research shows that leads to much better functional outcomes,” Mantaro said.