Comment: Expertise and timing are crucial when it comes to patient rehabilitation
Helping clients return to the best health possible after injury is key for everyone involved in their care, writes Ashley Halsey, Physiotherapist at HCML, a rehabilitation service provider.
Rehabilitation is a journey that requires collaboration with a team of carers and specialists, and careful timing to help clients achieve their best possible health.
The adage “it takes a village” has never been more fitting. From doctors, nurses, and surgeons to physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and case managers, every professional must align their efforts with the client’s best interests.
Effective rehabilitation demands meticulous management to ensure successful outcomes, particularly by delivering the right treatment at the right time to achieve long-term, sustainable recovery.
The role of a multidisciplinary team (MDT)
It’s important to enlist specialist therapists and professionals as part of the wider MDT to support all aspects of the client’s rehabilitation.
Defining goals and identifying treatment is integral to the rehabilitation programme and involves regular communication with the client, their family/support network, and a range of professionals to help understand and prioritise what the right treatment is for the client at that time.
A case manager often plays a pivotal role, taking the time to understand the client’s pre-injury life, priorities, and aspirations. This insight is crucial for shaping a personalised plan that aligns with the client’s rehabilitation journey.
Taking a balanced approach
Knowing how and when to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation programme requires careful management to ensure successful outcomes for the client.
While an initial plan may address all the client’s needs, trying to do too much too soon can hinder progress.
Overloading the client with interventions risks not only physical setbacks but also emotional overwhelm, particularly in cases of life-changing injuries.
The goal of one client who had sustained a traumatic brain injury was to return to university, despite medical professionals advising otherwise.
By focusing on one intervention at a time and building gradual momentum, the client achieved their goal, demonstrating the importance of prioritisation and pacing in rehabilitation.
A stepped approach to recovery
A phased approach, where each intervention is evaluated for effectiveness, is key to achieving the best outcomes. Flexibility is essential, as rehabilitation plans must adapt to the client’s evolving needs and priorities.
A case manager can work closely with the client, looking at the treatment they are receiving at each stage to make sure that they are making the progress they need to. If something isn’t working, an effective case manager will make changes and adjust the plan as and when necessary to support the client’s needs.
Sometimes, conventional interventions may not fully meet a client’s needs. With the rapid evolution of medical technology, innovative treatments can offer alternative paths to improved quality of life.
Staying informed about emerging options allows care teams to incorporate cutting-edge solutions when appropriate.
Building trust for a client-centred approach
Trust is fundamental in rehabilitation. It’s important that the client builds a relationship and trusts the team around them enough to express vulnerabilities, sharing when they are struggling, and voicing their needs.
A good rehabilitation programme is not one-size-fits-all—it must integrate into the client’s life. For example, for some, watching a film on the sofa with their children could support their mental wellbeing more than an hour of formal therapy.
A trusted team can recognise and respect these nuances, ensuring the plan reflects the client’s unique preferences and priorities.
Collaboration and patience
Rehabilitation is a marathon, not a sprint. Overloading the process can lead to setbacks, while a steady, measured approach allows clients to build confidence and momentum.
Working together with a specialised and supportive team empowers the client to surpass their own expectations and can make the difference between good care, and excellent care.
Ashley Halsey is a physiotherapist at HCML, specialising in working with patients who have suffered major trauma following spinal cord injuries, polytrauma, strokes, amputations and complex fractures with a focus on adaptive living solutions.
