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RHCI Establishes Center for NeuroRecovery in 10th Anniversary Year

November 14, 2005
SANDWICH, MA - The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands is further enhancing rehabilitation care for those with neurological impairment by creating the RHCI Center for NeuroRecovery. RHCI has launched the center as part of its ten-year anniversary series of events and patient care initiatives.

"Since opening in 1995, RHCI has cared for patients with a wide range of rehabilitation needs, from stroke and multiple trauma to arthritis, amputation and heart disease," says Carol Sim, president and chief executive officer. "In our tenth anniversary year we decided to sharpen the focus on neurological rehabilitation -- for stroke and brain injury in particular, plus Parkinson's disease. The expertise that we developed in our first decade has given us a strong foundation for the exciting new technologies and programs that will have a major impact on the next decade of neurological rehabilitation in the region."

Features of the RHCI Center for NeuroRecovery

New Medical Director Adds Expertise: David Lowell, M.D., a neurologist specializing in brain injury rehabilitation, has joined RHCI's medical staff of five rehabilitation physicians. His expertise in brain injury, particularly the behavioral aspects of recovery in these patients, brings added depth to RHCI's already extensive medical expertise.

"Just a few years ago, physicians were taught that once brain cells were lost, there was little that could be done to restore function beyond teaching patients techniques to compensate for their paralyzed or weakened limb," says Dr. Lowell. "Today, we know that the brain has amazing potential to be re-educated to pick up some of the lost function - provided it receives the right kind of stimulation. It's exciting to be at RHCI, where there is a commitment to bring our patients promising and innovative technologies and therapy approaches."

New Technology: RHCI is partnering with an innovator in medical devices to enhance recovery of hand and wrist function following stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury. RHCI is the only hospital in New England to offer treatment with the device.

Developed by Bioness, Inc. of California, the NESS H200 neuroprosthesis and rehabilitation system improves functional movement and reduces impairment in patients who have lost hand function. The NESS H200 delivers a mild electrical charge in a coordinated fashion to stimulate muscles in the hand and wrist, effectively 're-training' the arm and brain to work.

RHCI has acquired ten of the devices and has been incorporating them into therapy for inpatients and outpatients since July. RHCI occupational therapists who have been specially trained are evaluating people with prior impairment to see if they meet the criteria for using the device. Evaluations and treatment are available at the main hospital in Sandwich and at the RHCI-Orleans Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. A physician's referral is required. For information and guidelines for physicians, call (508) 833-4141.

Other Specialty Services: Another enhancement to RHCI's neuro services is the roadSMART Driver Assessment Program, introduced over the summer. The program includes a comprehensive evaluation of driving abilities conducted by a trained occupational therapist. Persons who need an on-the-road evaluation, adaptive equipment or physical or occupational therapy are referred to the appropriate resources.

Physician Services: RHCI's full time, on-site physicians offer a number of specialty services, including: diagnostic evaluations; neurological and neurobehavioral assessments; spasticity and pain management; video fluoroscopy-guided spinal injections; EMG and nerve conduction studies; Botox injections; Baclofen pump management; trigger point injections and acupuncture. RHCI's physicians direct the care of every inpatient. They also provide outpatient services at the main hospital and at four outpatient centers. Appointments can be made by calling (508) 833-4160.

"As physicians specializing in rehabilitation, we take a holistic approach to helping our patients regain as much function and independence as possible," says Jay Rosenfeld, M.D. "We treat a wide range of clinical problems. Our expertise is especially helpful for patients with conditions that are not easily treated in the primary care setting, such as spasticity and pain, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions that don't respond to conventional treatment."

Clinical Team Services: RHCI's staff includes registered nurses with acute care experience and certified rehabilitation nurses, respiratory therapists, physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapists, psychologist, social workers, pharmacists and others.

"Many of our patients need high level clinical services, including tracheostomy management, BiPAP, CPAP and other respiratory services, feeding programs, including TPN and G-tube care, and often wound care," says Myrna Ryan, LICSW, Manager of Patient Care Coordination. "It's reassuring for patients and families to know our staff has the expertise to address these issues. They especially like that a physician is on site 24-hours a day," says Myrna.

Support Groups and Education: Other aspects of the Center for NeuroRecovery include monthly support groups for survivors of stroke and brain injury and persons with aphasia. These groups provide ongoing education and support for patients and families.

A new effort is the Stroke Peer Visitation Program, which begins this fall. Volunteers who have completed a training program will make home visits to stroke survivors and their families who cannot attend the regular support group meetings. The program is offered in cooperation with the National Stroke Association. For information, please call (508) 833-4043.

RHCI has also enhanced the ongoing education of clinical staff by hiring a stroke education coordinator. Officials also plan an annual conference, "Bridging the Gap Between Research and Clinical Practice in Neuro-Rehabilitation," which disseminates the latest in

the conference brought together therapists from several states with nationally-known researchers in stroke therapy techniques.

"This is a very exciting time for rehabilitation," says Carol Sim. "Since opening, we've cared for more than 31,000 individuals -- each one with a unique story. Some of the resources we've assembled are opening up possibilities for recovery we couldn't imagine ten years ago. To see our patients take those first steps towards independence, to know we're making a difference in their lives -- it's the biggest thrill."