Rehabilitation Following Catastrophic Injuries: Where Do We Go From Here?

DESCRIPTION
The coordination of post-acute care discharge planning for catastrophically injured patients who require ongoing rehabilitation services can be daunting. The rehabilitation landscape is complicated; admission criteria and overall rehabilitation goals very among long-term acute care (LTAC), inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF), IRF Centers of Excellence (COE) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF). Evaluating a patient’s needs and matching them to the appropriate level of care is a critical function that requires appreciation of fiscal, psycho-social (including family support) and medical factors. This presentation will provide case managers, social workers, and the care planning team with evaluation tools to successfully triage patients with complex rehabilitation needs, manage family emotion and expectations while coordinating rehabilitation options best suited to optimize patient outcomes and improve quality of life.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Select the appropriate level of rehabilitation based on the evaluation of the patient physical needs
2. Correctly identify the rehabilitation treatment needs, care timeframe, and appropriate facility based on injury
3. List two strategies to manage patient and family emotions and expectations when faced with a potentially life-altering prognosis

INSTRUCTOR
Nikki Sedam MS, OTR/L

AUDIENCE
Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Social Work and Speech-Language Pathologists 

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Nurses:

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 7133. This distance learning independent webinar is offered at .05 CEUs [introductory, Foundational Knowledge]. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Physical Therapy: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 0.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 0.5 Contact Hours on 2/6/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Social Workers:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is registered by the State of Illinois to sponsor continuing education programs for social workers. This program will award 0.5 Continuing Education Credit Hours. Sponsor License #159001466.

Speech-Language Pathology:

DISCLOSURES
Course Director’s and Planning Committee Members’ Disclosure Information:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L, BCP Has nothing to disclose.
Pamela Pfeifer, MS, RN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists’ Disclosure Information:
Nikki Sedam, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.