Following a comprehensive evaluation in November 2023, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) recognized the Inpatient Rehabilitation program at UW Medicine - University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) for its exemplary services and renewed its Three-Year Accreditation.
The accreditation decision, based on a meticulous survey, highlights the medical center's profound commitment to patient-centered care, bolstered by effective leadership and a skilled, dedicated staff. Recognizing the center's adherence to high standards and “deep commitment to the patients and community served,” the report sets a positive tone for its future endeavors in healthcare excellence.
Department leadership agrees with CARF that staff are a key element of the center’s success. “The staff is very knowledgeable and thoughtful about helping patients transition to living in the community with a disability, which patients have said helps them know they can have a meaningful life when they leave UWMC,” says Dr. Denise Li-Lue, UWMC Medical Director of Inpatient Rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Advisory Committee
The CARF report recognizes the positive effects of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee at UWMC. This long-standing committee is made up of former patients, family members, and disability advocates. The committee is an integral source of feedback for the program and exemplifies the center's commitment to patient-focused care. The report also notes the committee’s creation of Rehab and Beyond: Resources to Maximize Your Potential, a resource intended for patients in before, during, and after their Inpatient Rehab stay. Importantly, Rehab and Beyond was written from the perspective of former patients and illustrates the committee’s proactive approach to patient education and support. Those interested can access individual chapters or the entire document at UWMC’s Health Online platform.
Recreation Therapy
In a time when many rehabilitation hospitals have discontinued their recreation therapy programs, UWMC is notable for its commitment to providing recreational therapy. “In many cases, the epiphany that life can go on after a serious disability, injury or illness is essential to recovery,” the report notes, before lauding the value of community reintegration for patients across the diagnostic spectrum. We are proud of the extensive knowledge and experience possessed by our recreational therapists. In the past year patients have enjoyed activities ranging from fishing, museum visits, navigating public transportation, and many other outings, all while learning valuable safety skills from a certified recreational therapist. By incorporating patients’ interest and involving them with their families, friends, and communities, we were recognized for valuing recreational therapy for their irreplicable role in the recovery of the whole person.
Recognition and Innovation
The indelible link between Inpatient Rehab and UWMC is also an area of emphasis for the surveyor. First and foremost, the Department of Rehabilitation plays a key role in the UWMC’s mission to improve the health of the public. In addition, Inpatient Rehabilitation represents a crucial component of the care continuum and is well positioned to expand its capabilities in the field of cancer rehabilitation. The growing focus on cancer rehabilitation compliments UWMC’s deepening partnership with Fred Hutch Cancer Center. In addition, as the #1 hospital in Washington according to US News & World Report and the world’s first Magnet hospital, it was clear during the survey that the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit benefits from, and shares in, the hospital’s culture of excellence and profound commitment to its patients.
Staffing and Service Expansion
The report also highlighted the mutual benefits between UWMC and Inpatient Rehabilitation at the discipline level. First, in terms of therapies, UWMC’s inpatient staffing model allows for inpatient therapy staff to rotate between acute care units and Inpatient Rehabilitation. Nursing operates similarly, with nurses floating between other specialties and Rehabilitation to provide safe staffing. Third, rehab residents rotate between several clinical sites within the UW Medicine network including Harborview Medical Center, Veteran’s Administration – Puget Sound, and Seattle Children’s. As a result, staff develop a broad set of skills, knowledge, and experience, helping to provide comprehensive care for the patient population.
Looking Ahead
Earning CARF accreditation is a major affirmation of the level of compassion, quality, and teamwork that Rehabilitation leadership witnesses each day. The interdisciplinary team contributed to this accomplishment well beyond the survey dates; the policies, initiatives, and outcomes reported to the surveyor are the result of a collective effort in service to UWMC’s mission. At the same time, the survey provided valuable suggestions for improvement that the leadership team will consider. In addition, as the survey notes, a cancer-specific accreditation may be indicated given the growing partnership with Fred Hutch. The program looks to the future with optimism and remains dedicated to excellence in serving patients, supporting staff, and following the organizational mission.