When it comes to rehabilitation after an injury, the saying “it takes a village” has never been more fitting. From doctors, nurses, and surgeons to physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and case managers, every professional must align their efforts with the client’s best interests.
Getting the client back to as best health as possible after an injury is always the ultimate goal. Effective rehabilitation demands meticulous management to ensure those successful outcomes.
Here we outline five key considerations that play a key part in delivering the right treatment at the right time to help the client achieve long-term, sustainable recovery.
Enlist a multidisciplinary team (MDT)
It’s important to bring in specialist therapists and professionals as part of the wider MDT to support all aspects of the client’s rehabilitation. Defining goals and identifying treatment is integral to the rehabilitation programme and involves regular communication with the client, their family/support network, and a range of professionals. Doing this helps us to understand and prioritise what the right treatment is for the client at that time.
A case manager also plays a pivotal role, taking the time to understand the client’s pre-injury life, priorities, aspirations and being a guiding hand along the way to help navigate the complex system. Having a case manager who works closely alongside the client is crucial for support, along with shaping a personalised plan that aligns with the client’s rehabilitation journey.
Taking a balanced approach
Knowing how and when to implement the rehabilitation programme requires careful management to ensure successful outcomes for the client. An initial plan will address all the client’s needs, but trying to do too much too soon can in fact hinder progress.
Overloading the client with interventions risks not only physical setbacks but also emotional overwhelm, particularly in cases of life-changing injuries. By focusing on one intervention at a time and building gradual momentum, the client can work towards their goal. To achieve long lasting rehabilitation, it’s important to prioritise and set a pace that helps the client see results, while setting a pace that ensures those results continue without setbacks.
A stepped approach to recovery
A phased approach, where each intervention is evaluated for effectiveness along each stage, is key to achieving the best outcomes. Flexibility within the plan is essential, as rehabilitation interventions must adapt to the client’s evolving needs and priorities.
This is where the case manager comes in. They work closely with the client, looking at the treatment they are receiving at each stage, to ensure they are making the progress they need to. If something isn’t working, the case manager can make changes and adjust the plan as and when necessary to support the client’s needs.
Sometimes, conventional interventions may not be working. With the rapid evolution of medical technology, new and innovative treatments can offer alternative paths to improved quality of life. A case manager can help suggest these to clients and facilitate alternative treatment methods when something just isn’t working.
Building trust for a client-centred approach
Trust between the client and the rehabilitation team is fundamental to successful rehabilitation. It’s important that the client builds a relationship and trusts the team around them enough to express vulnerabilities, sharing when they are struggling, and voicing their needs. A good rehabilitation programme is not one-size-fits-all—it must integrate into the client’s life. For example, for some, watching a film on the sofa with their children could support their mental wellbeing more than an hour of formal therapy. A trusted team can recognise and respect these nuances, ensuring the plan reflects the client’s unique preferences and priorities.
It’s also important that the client has trust in their team. A case manager can help build those relationships and ensure they are working with the right people. Communication being just as important, with open dialogue between everyone to keep things working together.
Rehabilitation is a marathon, not a sprint. Overloading the process can lead to setbacks, while a steady, measured approach allows clients to build their confidence up again and keep that momentum going. Working together with a specialised and supportive team empowers the client to surpass their own expectations and makes the difference between moving forward, or staying in the same place, and the difference between good care, and excellent care.