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Taking the Next Step
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Intensive outpatient therapy program helps patients get the most out of life After leaving the hospital following a traumatic injury, many patients need additional help to meet “real world” challenges – whether it’s cooking a meal or shopping at a department store. That’s where the Next Step program at Baptist Rehabilitation-Germantown comes in. The goal of this multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation program is to help patients become more independent so they can live life more fully. Next Step combines individualized therapies, education, and group activities. The intensive program acts as a sort of bridge between inpatient rehabilitation, which focuses on basic life care skills, and traditional outpatient rehabilitation. It is for patients who need more than one kind of outpatient therapy. “The Next Step program is literally the next step – helping patients become ‘life participants’ again, going back to normal life roles such as going to school or going to work,” said Amy Barringer, Next Step clinical director. Team Approach The Next Step team approach includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and recreational therapy, as well as education and support services for management of ongoing medical and community-based needs said Next Step program leader Teresa McGoldrick, RN. If needed, other professionals such as respiratory therapists, social workers, case managers, wound care specialists and diabetes counselors may consult with patients. The program is designed for patients ages 13 and older. Patients may be recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury or major surgery. Independent living skills group activities alternate between cooking activities and going on different outings. Participating in these events helps patients learn what they can do and where they need help. It allows patients to apply therapeutic strategies and gain confidence when they realize what they are capable of doing. “When we go on outings, each person takes something different away from it,” McGoldrick said. Developing Skills for Independence Cooking activities involve planning a meal, going to the grocery store, learning how to get around the kitchen, managing food and cleaning. Going on outings involves planning, organization, coordination, endurance, strength and money management – all skills people need to be independent. Patients have gone bowling, to a local pottery store and to department stores. Scrapbooking is another activity. Patients visit a local craft store to gather needed supplies. Assembling scrapbook pages involves creative thinking and fine motor skills. Most patients attend the program daily for about four weeks. Some patients may need continued outpatient therapy after completing Next Step, but have regained many independent living skills.
Published: February 26, 2008
Source: Amy Barringer, Next Step clinical director; Teresa McGoldrick, RN, Next Step program leader, Baptist Rehabilitation-Germantown Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR  Top of Page |
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