North Mountain Medical and Rehab Center in Phoenix, AZ has continually had an increase in respiratory patients over the years, making it well known to the community as a premier respiratory facility. The goal of almost every resident coming through our doors is to return to the community, and the Therapy Team chose to implement a Pulmonary Rehab Program designed with specific interventions for these residents, which often means taking a different approach to rehab due to their lower level of activity tolerance. A patient must first meet the criteria to participate in the Pulmonary Rehab Program, and once admitted into the program, we have select guidelines for assessments, treatment plans, educational material, and involving community resources to continue to help our respiratory patients thrive while in our facility and then discharged home.
After a successful 1st quarter kick-off, the team continues to grow the program with new goals. Shannon Dougherty, PT, is working towards a specialized PT Certification in Pulmonary Rehab. Kelly Schwarz, DOR, is getting involved in community education programs through Breathe Easy Arizona. The team has researched the use of different standardized tests to add to their assessments, and will implement the use of manometers and inspiratory muscle trainers to their treatment sessions.
At North Mountain, we are truly taking an interdisciplinary approach to helping our residents “Breathe Easy” on the road to success!!
By Kelly Schwarz. DOR, North Mountain Medical and Rehab Center, Phoenix, AZ