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Disorders of Consciousness
The Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) program is for patients who have had severe acquired brain injury. These patients have not yet regained the level of consciousness that allows them the ability to follow instructions in a consistent manner, to reliably communicate or perform basic self care.
We use a systematic, evidence based approach to set rehabilitation goals. These goals are developed and revised based on the patient’s progress. Progress is measured using standardized protocols.
Our mission includes three aims:
Clinical: To optimize functional recovery through evidence based assessment and treatment
Research: To identify mechanisms that contribute to disorders of consciousness. To develop diagnostic assessment methods and to investigate the effectiveness of treatment interventions.
Education: To share knowledge and provide resources to other healthcare professionals, family members, caretakers, payors and policy makers involved in the care of patients with brain injury.
Program Objectives:
- Determine level of consciousness using coma recovery scale-revised
- Identify physical and cognitive barriers to communication and movement
- Prevent complications
- Encourage wakefulness and responsiveness
- Assess for specialized communication and environmental control aids
- Establish an accurate prognosis
- Assess and plan long term care needs
- Educate and support patients, families and friends
- Opportunity to participate in cutting edge research
Program Structure:
The DoC program offers a broad range of clinical services for patients recovering from severe brain injury. As patients recover, their needs change. The clinical services are adjusted to match the patient’s current level of function and medical needs.
The DoC Program is organized into three levels of care. Each one addresses the clinical needs of the phase of recovery:
- Patients who are not conscious
- Patients who are awake but not able to communicate consistently
- Patients who can communicate but who are confused and need help with care
Spaulding's Approach to Disorders of Consciousness
Spaulding Rehabilitation as two hospitals working together to offer this program. As a Network we admit the patient to the facility that can meet the patient’s needs at the time they are discharged from the acute care hospital.
We use a systematic, evidence based approach to set rehabilitation goals. These goals are developed and revised based on the patient’s progress. Progress is measured using standardized protocols.
Our mission includes three aims
Clinical: To optimize functional recovery through evidence based assessment and treatment
Research: To identify mechanisms that contribute to disorders of consciousness. To develop diagnostic assessment methods and to investigate the effectiveness of treatment interventions.
Education: To share knowledge and provide resources to other healthcare professionals, family members, caretakers, payors and policy makers involved in the care of patients with brain injury.
Program Objectives
- Determine level of consciousness using coma recovery scale-revised
- Identify physical and cognitive barriers to communication and movement
- Prevent complications
- Encourage wakefulness and responsiveness
- Assess for specialized communication and environmental control aids
- Establish an accurate prognosis
- Assess and plan long term care needs
- Educate and support patients, families and friends
- Opportunity to participate in cutting edge research
Program Structure
The DoC program offers a broad range of clinical services for patients recovering from severe brain injury. As patients recover, their needs change. The clinical services are adjusted to match the patient’s current level of function and medical needs.
The DoC Program is organized into three levels of care. Each one addresses the clinical needs of the phase of recovery:
- Patients who are not conscious
- Patients who are awake but not able to communicate consistently
- Patients who can communicate but who are confused and need help with care
Locations
Hospital Rehab Facilities
Long-Term Acute Facilities
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Our Team
Your team will include medical staff and specialty consultants, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, nurses, nurse assistants, physical, occupational, speech and therapeutic recreation therapists, dietitian, respiratory therapists, music therapists, case managers and a social worker.
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Spaulding Rehabilitation as two hospitals working together to offer this program. As a Network we admit the patient to the facility that can meet the patient’s needs at the time they are discharged from the acute care hospital.
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Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care in Cambridge (SHC)
SHC treats and cares for patients who need complex medical care.
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Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown (SRH)
SRH treats and cares for patients who can tolerate intensive rehabilitation of three hours a day five or six days of the week.