Continuum of Care
Patient needs change throughout rehabilitation and recovery. The UPMC Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (IRR) supports patients during that journey.
The continuum of care provides services for patients from the time they are admitted to the hospital immediately following the injury until they are released from a rehabilitation center and are receiving outpatient care.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient rehabilitation is when a person is admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit. A plan of care will be established for the patient, including several types of therapies and rehabilitation services. A difference between the acute care unit and inpatient rehab is the amount of time spent out of bed. Patients must be able to handle three hours of therapy a day.
The IRR has seven inpatient acute rehabilitation programs. Based in acute care hospitals, patients can access any hospital services they may need without having to be transferred to a different location. Services include specialists, advanced imaging technologies, pharmacies, laboratory services, and emergency care.
The flagship acute rehabilitation program is at UPMC South Side. This program has 60 beds and is accredited by the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Outpatient Rehabilitation and Services
Outpatient rehabilitation often is the next step for patients when they have been discharged from an acute care or skilled rehabilitation setting. It also may the best choice for those patients whose ongoing needs do not require inpatient care.
Outpatient rehabilitation programs are supported through an extensive network of services. Many of these are provided through the Centers for Rehab Services whichoffer more than 40 outpatient centers and locations throughout western Pennsylvania. Other outpatient therapy services are available through individual hospital facilities.
Assistive technology services are available through the Center for Assistive Technology (CAT). CAT is a program within UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh. CAT's team of experts provides assistive devices for mobility, hearing, speech, and other needs.
Skilled Rehabilitation
Skilled rehabilitation may be the chosen setting for patients who do not require acute inpatient rehabilitation or for those who can only tolerate limited hours of daily therapy. Several skilled rehabilitation programs are available within the UPMC system. The skilled rehabilitation setting also can be an interim step for patients who aren’t yet ready for acute rehabilitation, but do need skilled nursing. They can use this step to gain strength before moving to the acute rehabilitation center.