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In the Pediatric Rehabilitation Department, two inpatient rehab teams have been established to reflect specific experience and training. They are called the Rehabilitation Team and the Neonatal / Infant Team.
Therapists on the Rehabilitation Team are skilled in treating patients who have undergone trauma or neurological insult.
Members of the Neonatal / Infant Team are expert in treating premature infants and other newborns with physical, neurological, and / or feeding issues.
Rehabilitation Team
- Pediatric Intensive Care - The most ill or injured of the children brought to Sparrow are directed to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This includes children with severe illnesses such as meningitis or those with multiple injuries from automobile accidents. Once a patient is stabilized medically, the Rehabilitation Team begins assessment and treatment of the child. Services are provided up to six times per day, with special considerations made for the child's ability to tolerate therapy. During this time, on-going parent education is provided to explain the course of recovery and the objectives of treatment.
- General Pediatric Care - For children with less intense needs, general pediatric inpatient services are provided on the Pediatric Unit. Rehabilitation services occur here, as well. Stays can either be long-term or short-term, and a few of these patients have been transferred from the PICU.
- Burns - The Rehabilitation Team also sees pediatric patients with burns. These therapists have received specific training in the treatment of burns, including the measuring and fitting of custom garments, splinting and positioning, which aid the healing process.
- Dysphagia - This refers to impaired or disordered swallowing. Swallowing may become impaired any time the mouth, throat or brain (which directs the movements of swallowing) is injured. An impaired swallow can result in malnutrition, respiratory issues, or death if not identified. Speech-language pathologists on the team are trained to diagnose, treat, and compensate for deficits in swallowing.
- Orthopedics - This refers to treatment of bones, joints, and muscles affected by injury, illness, or disease. Members of the Rehabilitation Team provide comprehensive services to inpatients with orthopedic needs. Services are designed to improve function and/or compensate for new limitations. Physical therapists most often help with crutches, walkers or wheelchairs. Occupational therapists may provide strategies to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing.
Neonatal / Infant Care Team
- Developmental Assessment - Many of the newborn infants in the Mother Baby Center or Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU) require assessment to aid in the diagnosis of congenital conditions. Treatment is also provided to improve and maintain muscle tone, posture, and range of motion. Early intervention is the key to successful development.
- Dysphagia - The Neonatal/Infant Team has speech-language pathologists specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of feeding issues in infants. Feeding issues often occur in premature infants whose brains and physiology have not matured enough to accomplish this highly coordinated skill. The speech-language pathologist works to maintain the safety of the infant, to improve feeding skills, and to provide extensive parent education for follow-through after discharge from the hospital.
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