Acute Rehab Symposium

OT Rehab in ECMO
Description: TBD
Objectives: TBD

Mobilization on ECMO
Description:
This course presents the current evidence regarding critical care rehabilitation, discusses evidence-based practice regarding safety of mobilization for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and offers a best practice framework to mobilize patients on ECMO. Participants will learn general considerations for mobilization of patients on ECMO, review the importance of a team-based approach, and consider the influence of the physiology of ECMO and concurrent disease processes within the principles of exercise. The course will primarily focus on adult rehabilitation but will additionally discuss rehab of the pediatric patient on ECMO.

Objectives: 

1. Briefly review literature regarding critical care rehabilitation and discuss evidence-based practice regarding safety of mobilization on ECMO
2. Describe general considerations for mobilization of patients on ECMO
3. Review a team approach to deliver safe mobilization and/or ambulation for patients on ECMO
4. Consider the physiology of ECMO and concurrent disease process within the principles of exercise

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome
Description:
Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) consists of symptoms that can develop and persist after critical illness. Management of varying presentations is complex. PICS can improve with time, but over half of patients will continue to experience symptoms at one year. Through this course, we will define PICS, provide information related to preventative efforts during the ICU stay, discuss evaluation across settings to monitor changes and review interventions to address ongoing symptoms.

Objectives:

1. Understand how PICS can affect an individual’s occupational performance
2. Identify screening tools that can be used when working with individuals with PICS  

Lorie A. Brinkman, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CSRS, C/NDT, CLT

Lynette DeFrancia, MA, OTR/L

Safe Patient Handling
Description:
To reduce and prevent hazards that can lead to overexertion and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), healthcare organizations must implement a Safe Patient Handling and Movement (SPH) Program. An effective SPH program includes training on safe patient handling, body mechanics education, and the use of mechanical assist devices.

To further protect both healthcare workers and patients, each healthcare facility must have an SPH policy that replaces manual lifting and transferring of patients with powered transfer devices, lifting equipment, or lift teams. The choice of device or method should align with the facility’s safety policies and be based on professional judgment and clinical assessment of each patient. The policy must also ensure that powered patient‑handling devices are always readily available and easily accessible.

In 2024, the UC SPH Workgroup (comprised of SPH programs of UCLA, UC Davis, UCSF, UC Irvine, & UCSD, in partnership with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP)), published a white paper outlining standards for the systemwide acquisition of ceiling lifts.

Objectives:

1. Review UCLA Health Safe Patient Handling Program (SPH) and SPH policy.
2. Identify the basis for standards created for systemwide acquisition ceiling lifts.   

Malnutrition in Acute Care
Description:
This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of malnutrition within the acute-care setting, emphasizing timely identification and effective nutrition interventions. It begins with a review of evidence-based criteria for assessing for and diagnosing malnutrition. The session outlines practical methods for estimating energy, protein, and fluid needs in acutely ill patients, integrating factors such as disease severity and metabolic stress. The lecture then transitions to strategies for implementing tailored nutrition interventions, from oral nutrition optimization and supplements to enteral and parenteral nutrition. Discussing how adequate nourishment is often challenged by medical, operational, and patient-specific barriers, the lecture explores common obstacles and ways to overcome them. Ending with a review of populations that are at high risk for malnutrition.

Objectives:

1. Describe at least 2 needed criteria for diagnosing malnutrition.
2. State at least 2 possible nutrition interventions for malnutrition.
3. List at least 1 barrier to adequate nutrition and how to overcome it.
4. Identify populations at high risk for malnutrition.