In a recent article, we highlighted the admission process at our clinic, emphasizing how we tailor personalized rehabilitation plans for each patient, whether they are starting their rehabilitation journey with us in the clinic, online, or at home. We believe that a highly individualized and interdisciplinary approach is crucial to a successful neurorehabilitation, addressing key factors such as well-being, comfort, motivation, and overall progress.

However, it’s crucial to understand that progress in neurorehabilitation is an ongoing journey. To ensure that each patient’s rehabilitation plan remains aligned with their evolving needs, we continuously adapt these plans throughout their stay at our clinic. In this article, we will explore how we measure progress and the methods we use to refine and adjust each patient’s rehabilitation plan.

Entry Assessment

When patients first enter our clinic, they undergo a series of assessments within the initial three days. These assessments span various disciplines, including neuropsychology, speech and language therapy, movement therapy, nursing care, and nutrition. Each assessment is based on standardized tests verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and validated through extensive studies. The gathered data is stored in a patient medical system.

However, not only the objective data and facts matter when it comes to the assessments. During assessments, our team engages with patients to understand how they feel, what they expect from their rehabilitation, and what their goals are. We answer their questions and strive to understand their needs and desires. This holistic approach is crucial for fostering motivation and involving patients in their own rehabilitation journey.

Once all assessments have been completed, the team discusses the results with the neurologists and provides recommendations on how to proceed. The team of neurologists then conducts the initial consultation with the patient, where they go over the results and the team’s suggestions together. Afterwards, the patient and the neurologist decide on the rehabilitation goals and create a personalized plan that best supports the patient’s needs and recovery.

Collecting Data

Data collection is a continuous process at our clinic, starting from the entry assessment and continuing through regular tests and the final exit assessment. These assessments use the previously mentioned standardized and verified tests by the WHO.

In collaboration with research institutions like LLUI, we are working towards more data-driven rehabilitation using tools like sensors and cameras for assessments. These technologies provide more objective and precise data. More information about this collaboration can be found on the LLUI website: https://www.llui.org/

Some data is also collected using robotics such as the Lokomat (Link to Blog), Humac Norm (Link to Blog), Caren (Link to Blog) etc. We only collect data from verified robotics to make sure the data is reliable.

Using objective data in rehabilitation is crucial for several reasons. It helps maintain patient motivation by clearly demonstrating the progress they are making. Some patients may feel they are not making any progress, but this data can show them just how far they have come towards achieving their goals. Also, this data is essential for our team to track and understand each patient’s improvements.

IPK (Interdisciplinary Progress Konferenz)

The IPK takes place once a week including neurologists, therapists and the nursing team. During these meetings, we discuss the data collected for each patient from various assessments, along with insights from everyday interactions between our nurses, therapists, neurologists, and patients.

We review the effectiveness of current therapies on patient progress and determine if adjustments are needed to enhance outcomes for example, a patient making significant improvements should receive a more challenging rehabilitation plan. Conversely, if a patient is not making notable progress, their therapy plan might need changes.

When we discuss potential changes, these could involve the number of therapy sessions, the duration, the type of therapy (such as movement, neuropsychology, or speech and language therapy), and the specific tasks performed within each session. We set new “mini goals” and develop strategies to reach them, keeping us on track to achieve the patient’s ultimate rehabilitation goals.

By continuously adapting and tailoring rehabilitation plans to each patient’s needs and progress, we ensure that they are neither under-challenged nor overburdened. This personalized approach leads to some of the best rehabilitation outcomes, helping our patients make steady progress toward their recovery goals. At our clinic, your progress is our priority, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.