A recent case study presented by the Ohman Family Living at Briar in Ohio, a VA-accredited skilled nursing facility, highlights the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach, aggressive respiratory care, and goal-oriented therapy in achieving positive outcomes for patients with chronic respiratory failure.
The case study focused on a 73-year-old male military veteran with chronic respiratory failure as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and morbid obesity.
Three years prior to his admission to Ohman Family Living at Briar, the patient was admitted to a hospital for acute respiratory failure due to pneumonia. He was intubated and eventually required a tracheostomy. He was then transferred to a skilled nursing facility with a vent unit, which closed, resulting in his transfer to Ohman Family Living at Briar.
When the patient arrived at Ohman Family Living at Briar, he had a tracheostomy in place for three years and required ventilation at night.
The team of clinicians at Ohman Family Living at Briar worked to help the patient achieve his goals, which included weaning from ventilator-dependent status and having the physical capacity to move and live independently at home.
The patient received therapy services to achieve maximum potential, improve safety awareness, strength, balance, and endurance, as well as overall functional independence with decreased caregiver burden for return home. The team provided aggressive respiratory care, taking a physician-led, multi-disciplinary approach with occupational, physical, respiratory therapy, and nursing to achieve the expressed goal to return home.
He was discharged not long after with an improved quality of life, recommended use of a mechanical lift for transfers, and wheelchair mobility for short household distances.
The case study illustrates the importance of skilled nursing care for patients with chronic respiratory conditions. Through a goal-oriented approach, aggressive respiratory care, and a multi-disciplinary team, patients can achieve positive outcomes and improve their quality of life. The patient's desire to return home motivated him to strive and hit each goal during his inpatient stay with Ohman Family Living at Briar. With the help of skillful clinicians, he was able to accomplish his goal and return home with greatly improved independent function.
Skilled nursing care can transform the lives of patients with chronic respiratory conditions. By taking a goal-oriented approach, providing aggressive respiratory care, and working with a multi-disciplinary team, patients can achieve their desired outcomes and improve their quality of life.
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