The document discusses clinical decision making in evaluating and treating patients. It involves gathering subjective and objective data from patients, determining appropriate goals and treatment plans based on evaluation findings and clinical judgment, monitoring patient progress, and determining discharge. Treatment plans are adjusted based on a patient's response. Frequent re-evaluations ensure treatment strategies remain appropriate.

1. Clinical Decision Making Russ Tolliver Office- 904-520-8729

2. Clinical Decision-Making The process by which we utilize evaluative data, the patient’s individual needs and clinical judgment to formulate the most appropriate treatment strategies to achieve the desired outcomes.

3. Evaluation Gathering subjective data from the patient/family/facility staff. Perceived patient/problems/goals for treatment. What does the patient/family/facility staff perceive as the problem or functional limitation? What would the patient/family/facility staff want to accomplish from the patient participating in therapy? If injury or fall, what are the circumstances surrounding the injury?

4. Evaluation- Subjective Data Prior level of function What was the patient’s level of function prior to the injury or exacerbation of the condition? If the patient is unable to provide, ask the facility staff or family/responsible party.

5. Evaluation- Subjective Data Anticipated Discharge Plan What is the discharge plan for the patient? If returning to a less structured environment, will the patient be expected to be independent or will assistance be available?

6. Evaluation- Subjective Date Feedback from the facility staff If the patient is unable to provide subjective data, what feedback can the facility offer relating to the patients PLOF, current functional limitations or other relevant information.

7. Evaluation-Objective Data Gathering objective data Past medical history What are the past medical conditions or co-morbidities that exist that may influence the course of treatment? I.E. (the patient has a colostomy bag; resident is visually impaired and has deficits and impairments with mobility.

8. Evaluation- Objective Data Prior therapeutic interventions and results Were the results of prior therapy favorable? Did barriers exist that impacted treatment? If the patient received treatment for the same condition, what elements have changed that require skilled intervention with PT/OT/SLP services now?

9. Evaluation- Objective Date Tests-Measurements Does the objective data match the clinical presentation? Which tests-measurements should be collected based on the subjective data and/or observations? What standardized testing can be utilized? Tinetti, Berg for balance Purdue peg board for fine motor dexterity Western Aphasia for comprehension/speech

10. Evaluation- Clinical Judgment Process by which the clinician utilizes information gathered during the evaluation to determine the best course of action. Clinical Findings Extent of loss of function Social consideration Home environment Family involvement Participation in activities Financial

11. Evaluation- Clinical Judgment Establishing goals What will be the optimal level of improvement for the patient based on: Reason for referral? Personal goals for therapy, motivational level? Response, participation level in prior therapy? Prior level of function? Severity of functional limitations? Discharge Plan

12. Evaluation- Clinical Judgment Establishing goals (continued) What are the expected outcomes? How can these be documented in objective, measurable, and functional terms?

13. Evaluation- Clinical Judgment Creating a treatment plan What procedures, modalities should be used that are consistent with treating the patient’s diagnosis and symptomology? TE,TA,ADL,NM-Re-Ed, W/C mobility, SELF CARE dysfunctions. Treatment of swallowing dysfunction and/or oral function, speech/language, voice, communication and auditory processing.

14. Evaluation-Clinical Judgment Determining the Frequency and Duration What is the appropriate time frame that will be required based in the individual’s needs? Does the condition require intensive treatment? Is the patient’s health status stable to tolerate the recommended intensity? Should the intensity be reduced as the patient gains independence?

15. Clinical Decision- Making A comprehensive, well written evaluation serves as a cornerstone for future clinical reasoning and decision-making.

16. Clinical Decision-Making Treatment Progression How do we know when to progress the patient within their established treatment plans? I.E. (Next goal or skilled activity) Patient’s response to treatment Musculoskeletal System Cardio-vascular System Respiratory System Gastro-Intestinal System

17. Clinical Decision-Making Treatment Progression( Continued) Patient’s ability to perform activities utilizing safe techniques in mobility, feeding, swallowing, etc. Patient’s ability to demonstrate functional application of skilled activities. Patient’s ability to increase the consistency of performing functional activity tasks.

18. Assessments As the patient makes progress towards goals, assessments should occur frequently and be an on-going process to ensure the treatment strategies are appropriate for the patients plan of care.

19. Re-Evaluation/Re-Certification At least every 30 days, a formal Re-Evaluation/Re-Certification should occur for every patient regardless of payor source. Support the medical necessity for continuance Advance/Adjust the patients goals Describe the treatment plan (proc,mod/freq/dur) Can occur with new clinical findings or failure to respond to therapy interventions(less than 30 days).

20. Clinical Decision-Making (Minimal progress) What questions can we ask ourselves if the patient is making minimal to no progress towards goals? Time of day of treatment appropriate Medication Issues Goals to aggressive Patient instructions to complex Treatment techniques to aggressive for patients condition Goals to “aggressive” or to “advanced”

21. Clinical Decision-Making Minimal Progress What changes can be made to the treatment approach to improve the patients progress? Alter the time of treatment in the day Increase rest breaks Split treatments Reduce frequency

22. Clinical Decision-Making Minimal Progress Changes to treatment approach Provide different treatment strategies to accommodate the patient’s needs Revise goals Have different therapist in the same discipline treat the patient Conduct peer review or team conference to discuss

23. Clinical Decision-Making Minimal Progress Refusals If the patient refuses over several days, the therapy program should be put on hold until the patient is willing to attempt performance of the functional activity and investigation with the nursing staff should occur to determine the cause of refusal.

24. Discharge How do we know when to discharge our patients? Achieved maximum benefit from skilled intervention. Progress towards goals has plateaued Determining factors for plateau Changes in medical conditions Physical limitation Request for self-discharge Physician discharge orders based on physician exam Discharge to another facility Patient expiration

25. QUESTIONS?