Choosing Wisely Together: Physical and Occupational Therapy Consultation for Acute Neurology Inpatients:

Background:Although many hospitalized neuroscience patients have physical and occupational therapy (rehabilitation) needs, patients with none or minimal physical impairments frequently receive rehabilitation consultation, diverting from patients with greatest need.Methods:A multidisciplinary team on the general and cerebrovascular neurology acute inpatient services mapped the rehabilitation consultation process, resulting in multiple implemented interventions including physician education on appropriate acute rehabilitation consultations, modification of multidisciplinary rounds, and discussion of patient rehabilitation needs throughout hospitalization. Nurses used the same functional impairment measurement tool used by physical and occupational therapists, the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Inpatient Short Forms (Basic Mobility and Activity domains).Results:The rate for initial rehabilitation consults for patients with no limitations in mobility or activity during the 6-month baseline period was 12...