Patients with the most severe injuries often begin their course of treatment through Kennedy Krieger’s inpatient unit. Some transfer directly from an outside pediatric intensive care unit, which allows a seamless transition into therapy, prevents complications, and promotes recovery. We accept patients with tracheostomies, feeding tubes, ventilators, intravenous lines, and other medically complex issues.
Throughout a patient’s stay on the inpatient unit, therapy goals are discussed daily, with the family playing a critical role on the treatment team. Discharge planning begins at admission, and when the timing is right, we can offer unique alternatives to the inpatient setting that help extend a patient’s rehabilitation into home and community life.
From the beginning of the patient’s stay, the family is educated on their child’s condition, the stages of recovery, and what to expect during the process. As therapy continues, families are trained to assist with the child’s care so that caregivers are as prepared as possible for discharge. Patients receive a full array of interdisciplinary services as appropriate for their treatment plan.
In addition, we have a specialized team that focuses on children in a minimally conscious state. Our experts in the Brain Injury Responsiveness Program evaluate and treat children and adolescents with a history of injury to the brain who exhibit altered arousal or ability to interact with their environment. Our program includes detailed interdisciplinary evaluations and a unique, three-tiered approach of medication management, assessment of sleep cycles and responsiveness, and identification of stimuli that promote response.