Rehab Revolution Realized

October 31, 2024

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Story by Ann Butenas

MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital sets the gold standard with five Joint Commission certifications, offering unparalleled specialized care in the Kansas City Metro area.

In the heart of the Kansas City metro area, MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for those on the path to recovery. This isn’t just another rehab center; it’s a place where excellence meets compassion, setting the gold standard for rehabilitation care in the region.

Unmatched Expertise and Recognition

What sets MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital apart from the rest is its impressive array of five Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certifications, an achievement unmatched by any other inpatient rehab facility in the area. These certifications are more than accolades to put on a wall. They also represent a commitment to exceptional care and expertise in treating specific conditions.

The certification process to achieve these certifications is quite rigorous and ongoing. It involves months of preparation, on-site evaluations, and renewal every two years. This dedication ensures the staff at MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital are always at the forefront of rehabilitation care, which then translates directly into improved outcomes for patients.

“Each program has its own set of Performance Indicators, measures we use to determine the most individualized care specific to that diagnosis,” explained Morgan Davis, OT. “These range from mental/emotional support to objective measures of functional ability to daily plans of care to meet physical needs. The measures are rigorous and tracked monthly, so that over a span of time, we hold ourselves accountable to our own standard of excellence, in strong collaboration with TJC.”

A Patient-Centered Approach

At MidAmerica, there’s a saying that encapsulates their philosophy: the patient is “driving the bus,” according to Davis. More than a catchphrase, this represents the core of the hospital’s operational model. Whether a patient’s goal is to play with their grandchildren again or return to work, the entire team rallies around these personal objectives, tailoring treatment plans to individual aspirations.

“Everyone on the team is responsible for seeing these goals through,” expressed Davis. “Medically, they are overseen by two physicians and a nursing staff. Therapy works in conjunction with the medical team and case management to provide equipment or home modifications. Dietary staff works toward adequate nutrition for optimal healing. Psychology and psychiatry support the mental and emotional needs of each patient as they navigate life.”

Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Compassionate Care

MidAmerica’s approach combines the expertise of its staff with state-of-the-art technology. The facility boasts an impressive array of advanced equipment, including:

The Light Gait system for safe walking practice
The BURT robotic arm for relearning everyday tasks
An exoskeleton that can help some patients with spinal cord injuries walk again.

This blend of high-tech and high-touch care creates an environment where patients can push the boundaries of their recovery.

“Everything we do is evidence-based and we are fortunate to have some of the latest technology available, as well as continuing education for each discipline, so our providers are up to date on what the evidence tells us about helping our patients’ recovery quickly,” emphasized Davis. “Several of our therapists are credentialed Certified Brain Injury Specialists, Amputee Rehab, Stroke Recovery, HemiMove techniques, and other specialty areas. Each program is also led by a Physician of Excellence as distinguished by TJC.”

Comprehensive Care Beyond Hospital Walls

Recovery doesn’t end at discharge, and MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital fully understands this intimately. From day one, the team begins planning for life after a patient leaves the hospital. This includes educating families, assessing patients’ homes for necessary modifications, and connecting individuals with community support services. The goal is to ensure that patients are set up for success long after they leave the hospital.

“In these disease-specific programs, more often than not, life has changed significantly and quickly, so we do our best to teach everyone in the patient’s world about wheelchairs, ramps, walkers, canes, accessibility, their rights, advocacy, community programs…you name it, we bring it up,” said Davis. “We like to think that, when families get home, there are no surprises.”

Real Lives, Real Transformations

The true measure of MidAmerica’s impact is best seen through the eyes of its patients. Three remarkable stories highlight the transformative power of their approach. Each one of these individuals has undoubtedly felt the commitment to patient care that the staff at MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital focuses on daily.