By Jeremy Osmond, DOR, Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing, Provo, UT
Dot Stuart, SLP at Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing, decided to focus on education related to growing SLP programs for her Director of Rehab in Training Ops (DORiTO) capstone project. The information was so impressive that I asked her to present at a Sunstone DOR meeting to help other therapy leaders really understand all the things SLPs can do in our setting.
She highlighted that the SLP needs to be committed beyond the patients that they receive orders for on admits and really focus on all residents in their facility to make sure their highest level of function is being attained. Her training focused on SLP support for PDPM, including completing the BIMs; identifying NTAs such as malnutrition and SLPs’ role in intervention; and ensuring SLP swallow assessments are reviewed for accurate Section K reporting.
She focused on the importance of really knowing each payer plan and what that means for intervention. SLPs need to manage their program efficiently based on payers and authorizations along with clinical presentations. They need to be a partner to the DOR to ensure clinical outcomes even with reimbursement challenges.
She addressed how SLPs can help so many LTC patients, including what tools we have in place to help quickly identify any changes of condition; long-term modified diets; etc. Many SLPs and DORs are not as familiar with the available reports in PCC to help with patient identification. She also trained on the importance of being present in the facility and making sure the IDT members, clinical team and other therapy disciplines really understand how they can help with patient care. Click below for a summary of helpful reports in PCC for SLPs.
Dot also emphasized the importance of strong student programs to help future SLPs really understand their value and how they can make a difference in a patient’s life in the Post-Acute and LTC setting.
Provo has trended increased treatment hours and need for more SLP staff with the help of Dot’s focus and drive to ensure every patient’s needs are met.
