Tag: skilled nursing

ACP Clinical Education 2024

2024 ACP Clinical Education Recap: Advancing Clinical Excellence for Better Patient Outcomes

Education is the foundation of exceptional patient care, and ACP is proud to provide outstanding clinical education that helps our partners grow their skills and deliver superior patient outcomes. To close out 2024, we wanted to reflect on the clinical education milestones we reached this year, including exciting new additions to our clinical education offerings.   

As clinicians and educators, our goal is to provide our partners with the clinical education they need to make informed, evidence-based decisions. I am proud of the work we have done this year to provide even greater value to our partners, and ultimately, their patients.

John Tawfik, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA, Director of Clinical Services

In 2024, we continued to provide comprehensive educational opportunities, hosting 2,458 live course sessions that engaged 15,516 learners. Our online learning platform saw unprecedented participation, with 19,053 online courses completed and over 21,000 active learners on ACP University. Our National Webinar Series (NWS) remained a cornerstone of our offerings, with 105 courses conducted and 1,999 clinicians awarded CE hours.  

This year, we expanded our continuing education program, underscoring our ongoing commitment to growing interdisciplinary education. We launched 17 new Nursing CE courses, with 305 course completions. We also introduced five new Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) CE courses, with 350 course completions. We also expanded our educational portfolio by introducing two new PT/OT courses and two new ASHA-approved courses for SLPs. 

One of our most significant achievements in 2024 was the launch of ACP Certifications, which allow clinicians and facilities to become certified in ACP’s evidence-based Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Continence Improvement, Pain Management, Wound Management, and Fall Prevention clinical programs. Since launching in May, we are proud to share that 50+ clinicians have become ACP Certified, demonstrating advanced expertise in these practice areas.  

We are deeply grateful for our incredible community of learners, educators, and partners. Your trust, engagement, and commitment to continuous learning have been the driving force behind these achievements. As we look forward to the coming year, we remain dedicated to supporting our partners in pursuing clinical excellence and improved patient outcomes. 

Unlock Value with ACP University

To take advantage of all ACP University offers, please contact your Clinical Program Consultant (CPC) or email us at [email protected] for your facility-specific learner link.

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Education is the foundation of exceptional patient care, and ACP is proud to provide outstanding clinical education that helps our partners grow their skills and deliver superior patient outcomes. To close out 2024, we wanted to reflect on the clinical education milestones we reached this year, including exciting new additions to our clinical education offerings. 

Clinician treating patient's hand with OmniSWD Shortwave Diathermy.

Shortwave Diathermy: A Drug-Free Approach to Pain Management

The highlights:

  • Shortwave Diathermy (SWD) is a therapeutic treatment that uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat within body tissues, providing non-invasive, drug-free pain relief. 
  • SWD can effectively manage several types of pain, including joint, post-operative, post-traumatic, and chronic pain. It also increases local blood flow, relieves muscle spasms, decreases joint stiffness, and helps treat chronic inflammatory conditions. 
  • ACP’s OmniSWD system offers built-in clinical protocols, making it easier for clinicians to use. It achieves therapeutic thermal doses with 25% greater efficiency, saving time and improving patient outcomes. 

Pain impacts more than 30% of long-term care residents. In addition to reducing quality of life, pain can limit patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), restrict their ability to socialize, and lead to depression.1 Effectively managing pain is essential to helping patients maintain a high quality of life, improve mobility, and promote healing. Innovative technologies like shortwave diathermy (SWD) can be a valuable tool for clinicians seeking to deliver effective, non-invasive, and drug-free pain relief. In this post, we’ll explore what shortwave diathermy is, how it works, and how it can be a valuable pain management tool. 

What is Shortwave Diathermy?

SWD is a therapeutic treatment modality that uses high frequency pulsed electromagnetic waves to generate therapeutic heat within the body tissue. SWD can be applied for subthermal or thermal effects, penetrating deeply enough to reach muscles, joints, and soft tissues without overheating the skin. In addition to providing an analgesic effect, the heat also increases local blood flow, providing a safe and effective means of addressing pain and inflammation stemming from common conditions like contractures, slow-healing wounds, joint stiffness, and more.

The Benefits of Shortwave Diathermy in Pain Management

SWD offers several indications for common types of pain, including:

  • Joint2
  • Post-operative3
  • Post-traumatic4
  • Chronic5

In addition to providing effective pain relief, SWD can:

  • Increase local blood flow6
  • Relieve muscle spasms7
  • Decrease joint contractures/stiffness8
  • Increase extensibility of collagen tissue9
  • Help treat chronic inflammatory conditions10

OmniSWD®

Shortwave Diathermy System

I am pain-free and walking with a cane. I am looking forward to attending my sister’s baby shower.

Mr. Mickens on his treatment with OmniSWD and OmniCycle

OmniSWD® Shortwave Diathermy System

ACP’s OmniSWD Shortwave Diathermy System simplifies the integration of SWD into patient care by offering built-in clinical protocols for six indications. This feature removes the guesswork from selecting the appropriate therapy, ensuring safe and effective treatment. Additionally, the OmniSWD system enhances efficiency by delivering therapeutic thermal doses with 25% greater effectiveness, saving valuable time for clinicians and improving patient outcomes.

Soothe Pain & Accelerate Recovery with OmniSWD®

Empower your therapists to save time and achieve superior patient outcomes with ACP’s advanced OmniSWD Shortwave Diathermy System.

Learn More

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  1. Shrestha, S., Cummings, G., Knopp-Sihota, J., et al. (2024). Factors influencing health-related quality of life among long-term care residents experiencing pain: A systematic review protocol. Systematic Reviews, 13(49). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02459-7 ↩︎
  2. Van Nguyen, J., & Marks, R. (2002). Pulsed electromagnetic fields for treating osteo-arthritis. Physiotherapy, 88(8), 458-470. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9406(05)60848-6 ↩︎
  3. Santiesteban A. J., & Grant, C. (1985). Post-surgical effect of pulsed shortwave therapy. Journal of the American Podiatry Association, 75(6), 306-309. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-75-6-306 ↩︎
  4. Draper, D. O., Abergel, R. P., Castel, J. C., & Schlaak, C. (2000). Pulsed short-wave diathermy restricts swelling and bruising of liposuction patients. American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, 17(1), 17-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/074880680001700105 ↩︎
  5. Fukuda, T., da Cunha, R., Fukuda, V. O., Rienzo, F. A., Cazarini, C. Jr., Carvalho, Nde A., & Centini, A. A. (2011). Pulsed shortwave treatment in women with knee osteoarthritis: A multicenter, randomized, placebo- controlled clinical trial. Physical Therapy, 91(7), 1009-1017. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20100306 ↩︎
  6. Karasuno, H., Morozumi, K., Fujiwara, T., Goh, A. C., Yamamoto, I., & Senga, F. (2005). Changes in intramuscular blood volume induced by continuous shortwave diathermy. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 17(2), 71-79. ↩︎
  7. McCray, R. E., & Patton, N. J. (1984). Pain relief at trigger points: A comparison of moist heat and shortwave diathermy. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 5(4), 175-178. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1984.5.4.175 ↩︎
  8. Leung, M. F. S., & Cheing, G. L. Y. (2008). Effects of deep and superficial heating in the management of frozen shoulder. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 40(2), 145-50. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0146 ↩︎
  9. Peres, S. E., Draper, D. O., Knight, K. L., & Ricard, M. D. (2002). Pulsed shortwave diathermy and prolonged long-duration stretching increase dorsiflexion range of motion more than identical stretching without diathermy. Journal of Athletic Training, 37(1), 43-50. ↩︎
  10. Szlosek, P. A., Taggart, J., Cavallario, J. M., & Hoch, J. M. (2014). Effectiveness of diathermy in comparison with ultrasound or corticosteroids in patients with tendinopathy: A critically appraised topic. Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, 23(4), 370-375. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2013-0063 ↩︎

Pain impacts more than 30% of long-term care residents. In addition to reducing quality of life, pain can limit patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), restrict their ability to socialize, and lead to depression.1 Effectively managing pain is essential to helping patients maintain a high quality of life, improve mobility, and promote healing. Innovative technologies like shortwave diathermy (SWD) can be a valuable tool for clinicians seeking to deliver effective, non-invasive, and drug-free pain relief. In this post, we’re exploring what shortwave diathermy is, how it works, and how it can be a valuable pain management tool.

Improving Swallow Ability After Respiratory Failure

Improving Swallow Ability After Acute Respiratory Failure

After being hospitalized for acute respiratory failure, an 81-year-old woman was admitted to a skilled nursing facility. She was intubated (tube inserted in airway to assist with breathing), had pneumonia caused by aspiration (material entering the lungs), and was experiencing oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty eating and swallowing). Although she had a history of dysphagia from a previous spinal surgery, she was able to return to a diet of regular food and thin liquids prior to this hospitalization. To get her back on track, she was referred for speech language pathology (SLP) services. 

Therapy Protocol

Speech Therapy

  • 5x/week x 4 weeks

Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® Portable with OmnisEMG™ Biofeedback

  • Effortful swallow and Mendelsohn maneuvers using Kangaroo virtual reality representation of the muscle output to improve strength and coordination

Additional Interventions

  • Patient and caregiver education on swallowing exercise and oral care

Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® Portable

After undergoing four weeks of speech therapy with Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP®, the patient had improved her swallow timing and coordination and regained her ability to consume regular food. 

I came here not being able to enjoy my food/liquids the way I used to. Through the Synchrony visual feedback and guidance from my SLP, I got the help and confidence I needed to complete my exercises correctly and continue to do them on my own without any help.

Patient

Improve Swallow Function, Coordination, and Quality of Life with Synchrony

By combining surface electromyography (sEMG) and patterned electrical stimulation (PENS), Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP delivers an innovative approach to dysphagia treatment that helps your patients enjoy a better quality of life.

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After being hospitalized for acute respiratory failure, an 81-year-old woman was admitted to a skilled nursing facility. She was intubated, had pneumonia caused by aspiration, and was experiencing oropharyngeal dysphagia. To help get her back on track, she was referred for speech language pathology (SLP) services. Find out how her care team used Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP to help her return to a regular diet.

Journey Beyond Recovery with the OmniTour™ Virtual Exercise Experience

Journey Beyond Recovery with the OmniTour™ Virtual Exercise Experience 

We are excited to announce the launch of our newest technology, the OmniTour™ Virtual Exercise Experience. OmniTour is an innovative virtual reality-based system that boosts patient engagement, improves outcomes, and optimizes care delivery through immersive cycling experiences. By seamlessly connecting with multiple OmniCycle® Connect devices, OmniTour enables group therapy options that make rehabilitation more fun, effective, and efficient. 

OmniTour Features & Benefits 

OmniTour leverages the powerful, immersive nature of virtual reality (VR) to deliver a better patient rehabilitation experience while helping clinicians optimize care delivery. Here are just a few of the key features that make it a game-changing addition to your rehab gym: 

  • Tour Movies: Patients can cycle through over 100 virtual routes across the world, from Amsterdam’s canals to the Grand Canyon, motivating them to train more often and with greater effort. 
  • Memory Lane: Patients can journey back in time with archival photos, cycling through cities from the 1930s to the 1990s. 
  • Photo Albums: Themed image libraries offer additional engagement options, including a “Guess the Picture” mode to challenge patients cognitively. 
  • Group Therapy Options: OmniTour connects with up to four OmniCycle Connect devices via Bluetooth, enabling group therapy sessions that improve care efficiency and encourage valuable patient socialization. 

Enhance the Patient Experience with Virtual Reality 

Incorporating VR into rehabilitation can deliver significant patient benefits: 

  • Increased patient engagement and motivation1 to participate in treatment 
  • Longer, harder, and more intense training sessions 
  • Enhanced mood and reduced apathy2 
  • Optimized treatment efficiency through more skilled time and opportunities for dual-task training 

Tap into the Benefits of Group Therapy 

OmniTour’s group therapy capabilities offer benefits to both patients and facilities: 

  • Improved patient self-care performance when paired with individual treatment3 
  • Increased patient satisfaction with their therapy sessions3 
  • Reduced feelings of isolation through socialization and connection 
  • Better engagement through healthy competition 
  • Optimized resources while maintaining high-quality care 
  • Enhanced real-world skill application through more complex training environments 

Upgrade Your Rehabilitation Program & Deliver Better Patient Outcomes with OmniTour 

OmniTour has the potential to help skilled nursing facilities tap into the power of virtual reality, provide more engaging interventions, and ultimately achieve better patient outcomes. By combining the physical benefits of cycling with the cognitive and emotional engagement of virtual experiences, OmniTour offers an exciting approach to rehabilitation that addresses the whole patient. 

Bring OmniTour to Your Skilled Nursing Facility

Discover how OmniTour can boost engagement, outcomes, and care delivery to help your patients Journey Beyond Recovery.

LEARN MORE

  1. Kizmaz, E., Telli Atalay, O., Çetin, N., & Uğurlu, E. (2024). Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial. Respiratory Medicine, 230, 107696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107696  ↩︎
  2. D’Cunha, N. M., Nguyen, D., Naumovski, N., McKune, A. J., Kellett, J., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Frost, J., & Isbel, S. (2019). A mini-review of virtual reality-based interventions to promote well-being for people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Gerontology, 65(4), 430-440. https://doi.org/10.1159/000500040 ↩︎
  3. Luchynsky, M. K., Ashbaugh, K., Bowser, A., Campisi, E., Gleixner, M., Heinbach, B., & Snak, A. (2023). Efficacy of utilizing the group mode of treatment delivery in OT for skilled nursing facility settings. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(Supplement_2), 7711510267p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO267 ↩︎

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Breathing New Life into Respiratory Care: NHC's Success with ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment

Breathing New Life into Respiratory Care: NHC’s Success with ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment 

Key highlights:  

  • NHC’s pilot of ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment (ARA) in 3 centers since June 2023 has significantly improved respiratory care. 
  • ARA has helped reduce rehospitalization rates by 36% and has ensured that Medicare and Medicaid submissions reflect the medical complexity of the patient population, enhancing patient care and financial performance. 
  • NHC plans to expand ARA to all 11 facilities, emphasizing staff buy-in, systematic implementation, and patient-focused benefits for success. 

Respiratory care is a critical, often challenging, aspect of patient health in skilled nursing facilities. The ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA) is changing this landscape, offering an innovative approach to identifying and managing respiratory issues. National Healthcare Corporation (NHC) recently piloted ARA in three of its facilities, with results that are transforming patient care and operational efficiency. 

Sarah Ison, Regional Therapy Director for NHC's central region
Sarah Ison, Regional Therapy Director, NHC

We spoke with Sarah Ison, Regional Therapy Director for NHC’s central region, to learn more about their experience with ARA, how they have been using it across their pilot facilities, and the results they have seen since implementing it in June 2023.

Implementing ARA

Various staff members, from nurses to therapists, can perform an assessment with ARA, allowing for flexibility in implementation. “Most of the buildings have three or four people doing the assessment,” Ison notes. “We have therapists doing it, nurses, and some nurse practitioners and respiratory therapists.” 

After some trial and error, they found a sustainable workflow to ensure each new admission was assessed in a timely manner. “We test every new admission within the first three days,” said Ison. “For our long-term care population, we test quarterly and as needed if someone notices a change.”

Uncovering Hidden Health Issues 

Ison reveals one of the biggest surprises they have encountered since adopting ARA is the volume of patients experiencing respiratory deficits who show no obvious symptoms. She estimates that of the patients they have assessed, 95% return results indicating a respiratory deficit. “It has really helped us to identify patients who would benefit from respiratory therapy, whom we might not have typically provided that service to,” said Ison.

Strengthening Documentation 

In an era of frequent healthcare audits, ARA provides robust documentation and objective data that has been invaluable for NHC’s staff. “Our documentation is constantly being reviewed, so we have found it was extremely beneficial having those ARA results and the documentation of those deficits to support what we were capturing on the MDS,” said Ison.

ARA’s Impact by the Numbers 

One of NHC’s inpatient facilities saw significant year-over-year improvement, which Ison attributes in part to their use of ARA starting in June 2023: 

  • Rehospitalization rates dropped 36% from May 2023 vs May 2024
  • Average daily Medicare Part A reimbursement increased by 4%  
  • Medicaid reimbursement rose 7.4% 

These numbers reflect not just financial value but also improved patient care and better outcomes. 

Finding Success with ARA

For those interested in implementing ARA in their facility, Ison offers the following framework to extract the most value from the tool: 

  1. Secure buy-in from leadership and key staff members 
  2. Develop a systematic approach to conducting assessments 
  3. Remain flexible and willing to adjust processes 
  4. Focus on the patient benefits to motivate staff

Looking Ahead

As a testament to ARA’s success, NHC plans to roll out ARA across all 11 facilities in Ison’s region. NHC’s experience with ARA emphasizes how early detection of respiratory deficits can transform patient care. By providing precise data and robust documentation, ARA is helping facilities like NHC deliver more comprehensive, targeted care for better patient outcomes. 

Transform Respiratory Outcomes with ARA

Interested in bringing ARA to your skilled nursing facility? Learn more and request a demo today.

LEARN MORE

National Healthcare Corporation’s (NHC) experience does not represent a claim made by Accelerated Care plus. Your results with ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment may vary. 

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Respiratory care is a critical, often challenging, aspect of patient health in skilled nursing facilities. The ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA) is changing this landscape, offering an innovative approach to identifying and managing respiratory issues. National Healthcare Corporation (NHC) recently piloted ARA in three of its facilities, with results that are transforming patient care and operational efficiency.

Enhancing Group Therapy with Virtual Reality in SNF Rehab 

Enhancing Group Therapy with Virtual Reality in SNF Rehab 

The highlights:

  • Integrating virtual reality (VR) into group therapy enhances patient engagement and functional outcomes, transforming the rehabilitation experience
  • Effective implementation involves selecting collaborative VR activities, fostering healthy competition, and adapting experiences to group dynamics for maximum benefit
  • ACP will soon launch a new technology that helps clinicians seamlessly incorporate VR into group therapy

As skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, they constantly seek innovative ways to improve patient outcomes, drive operational efficiencies, and differentiate their rehabilitation programs. We recently covered how VR could transform skilled rehab. By thoughtfully integrating VR into group therapy sessions, clinicians can tap into synergies that address the key goals of modern SNFs: boosting patient engagement, enhancing functional outcomes, and optimizing the efficiency of care delivery.

The Synergies of VR and Group Therapy 

The Synergies of VR and Group Therapy

We have explored the individual benefits of VR and group therapy in SNF rehab. VR has proven to be an innovative solution that can increase patient engagement, encourage longer and more intense therapy sessions, and positively impact patient mood.1, 2 Meanwhile, group therapy settings have been shown to foster a supportive environment that enhances socialization, promotes healthy competition, and allows for more cost-effective care delivery. 

Together, group therapy and VR unlock a world of possibilities. The immersive, interactive nature of VR can take the group therapy experience to new heights, motivating patients to push the boundaries of their abilities while enjoying the camaraderie and encouragement of their peers. The social dynamics of group therapy can further amplify the engagement and therapeutic value of the VR experience. 

Practical Strategies for Incorporating VR into Group Therapy 

So, how can SNF clinicians harness the power of this dynamic duo? Here are some practical strategies for incorporating VR into group therapy sessions: 

Choose VR Experiences that Promote Collaboration 

Select VR applications that encourage teamwork and group interaction. For example, choose multiplayer activities where patients work together to achieve a shared goal or VR environments that simulate real-world tasks requiring coordination. 

Foster Friendly Competition  

Competition knows no age! Incorporate VR activities that allow patients to compete against their peers in a fun, supportive environment. Healthy rivalry can boost engagement and motivation, pushing participants to go beyond their perceived limits. 

Leverage Dual-Task Training 

Use VR to introduce cognitive challenges alongside physical exercise. As patients navigate the virtual world, have them perform tasks that engage both the body and the mind, such as remembering sequences, solving puzzles, or making decisions. This dual-task training can enhance overall functional abilities. 

Adapt VR Experiences to Group Dynamics  

When choosing VR applications, be mindful of group size, patient abilities, and therapy goals. Customize the virtual environments and tasks to ensure all participants are appropriately challenged and can actively engage with each other. 

Complement VR with Traditional Group Activities 

While VR can be an excellent supplement to group therapy, it should never wholly replace more conventional group activities. Combine VR experiences with traditional group activities to create a well-rounded rehab program. 

Elevating Rehabilitation Outcomes with VR-Enhanced Group Therapy

By combining evidence-based group therapy and VR, clinicians can foster better engagement, improved functional outcomes, and a heightened sense of community that supports the whole patient. 

This powerful combination can change how patients experience rehabilitation, which is why we are excited to share that we will soon launch a new, immersive VR technology that integrates seamlessly into group therapy – keep an eye out for more on that soon. In the meantime, as you continue to explore ways to optimize your skilled nursing rehabilitation program, consider the transformative potential of VR-enhanced group therapy. This dynamic combination can help you deliver exceptional care and position your facility for long-term success. 

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  1. Kizmaz, E., Telli Atalay, O., Çetin, N., & Uğurlu, E. (2024). Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial. Respiratory Medicine, 230, 107696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107696 ↩︎
  2. D’Cunha, N. M., Nguyen, D., Naumovski, N., McKune, A. J., Kellett, J., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Frost, J., & Isbel, S. (2019). A mini-review of virtual reality-based interventions to promote well-being for people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Gerontology, 65(4), 430-440. https://doi.org/10.1159/000500040  ↩︎

As skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, they constantly seek innovative ways to improve patient outcomes, drive operational efficiencies, and differentiate their rehabilitation programs. We recently covered how VR could transform skilled rehab. Learn how you can combine VR with group therapy to boost patient engagement, enhance functional outcomes, and optimize care delivery.

Reimagining Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Reimagining Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality in Skilled Nursing Facilities 

The highlights: 

  • Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to boost patient motivation and engagement with their treatment. 
  • VR can push patients to train longer, harder, and with greater intensity, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes.  
  • By allowing clinicians to maximize their skilled time and incorporate dual-task training, VR can optimize treatment efficiency and effectiveness. 

Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), offering innovative solutions to common clinical challenges. As the evidence supporting VR in skilled rehab grows, it’s clear that this technology can reshape patient care and outcomes. Let’s dive into how incorporating VR into therapy has the potential to transform rehab in the SNF space.  

The Growing Evidence for VR in Skilled Nursing 

VR has been studied for a variety of diagnoses, including stroke1, Parkinson’s disease2, multiple sclerosis3, dementia4, and pain5. Over the years, research has consistently shown VR’s potential to enhance patient engagement and motivation while increasing the repetitions and duration of exercise—critical factors in successful rehabilitative outcomes. 

Key Benefits of VR in SNF Settings

Enhancing Patient Engagement 

One of the more challenging aspects of skilled nursing rehab is keeping patients engaged and motivated6 to participate in treatment. The immersive nature of VR creates a welcome distraction for many patients, allowing them to push their limits while experiencing something new, exciting, and even fun.  

Motivating Longer, More Effective Sessions 

In addition to boosting patient engagement, incorporating VR into therapy sessions has also shown a remarkable ability to motivate patients to train longer, harder, and at a greater intensity. This is a recipe for maximizing therapeutic benefits and accelerating recovery.

Improving Mood  

Beyond the physical benefits, VR can positively impact patients’ overall well-being. There is evidence that patients who use VR experience mood improvements and reductions in apathy7. Improved mood resulting from VR experiences can significantly influence engagement and recovery, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of healing. 

Optimizing Therapy Efficiency and Effectiveness 

Key Benefits of VR in SNF Settings

Dual-Task Training 

VR offers an excellent opportunity to introduce dual-task training, where patients work on one activity while simultaneously engaging in other tasks (cognitive or motor). This approach has been shown to be beneficial for postural control, mobility, and cognitive functions88. 

Maximizing Skilled Time 

For clinicians, VR offers a clinically effective means to maximize patients’ therapy sessions. Therapists can focus on modifying patient parameters to optimize each individual’s exercises, ensuring every minute of therapy is as productive as possible. 

Embracing the Future of Skilled Rehabilitation 

There is no question that, when used thoughtfully, virtual reality is making a positive impact on patient outcomes. By embracing the potential of VR, skilled nursing facilities can offer more engaging, effective, and efficient therapy programs that reimagine the entire rehabilitation experience.  

Reimagine Your Rehab Program

Explore Accelerated Care Plus’ innovative OmniVR technology and subscribe to our blog to be the first to know about future developments in the VR space.

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  1. Karamians, R., Proffitt, R., Kline, D., Gauthier, L.V. (2019, Dec 7). Effectiveness of virtual reality – and gaming-based interventions for upper extremity rehabilitation post-stroke: A meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, (Epub ahead of print), DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2019.10.195 ↩︎
  2. Triegaardt, J., Han, T. S., Sada, C., Sharma, S., Sharma, P. (2019). The role of virtual reality on outcomes in rehabilitation of Parkinson’s disease: Meta-Analysis and systematic review in 1031 Participants. Neurological Sciences, (Epub ahead of print). DOI: 10.10007/s10072-019-04144-3 ↩︎
  3. Porras, D. C., Siemonsma, P., Inzelberg, R., Zeilig, G., Plotnik, M. (2019). Advantages of virtual reality in the rehabilitation of balance and gait: Systematic review. Neurology, 90(22), 1017-1025. DOI: 10.1212 WNL.0000000000005603 ↩︎
  4. Coyle, H., Traynor, V., Solowij, N. (2015). Computerized and virtual reality cognitive training for individuals at high risk of cognitive decline: Systematic review of the literature. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(4), 335-359. DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2014.04.009 ↩︎
  5. Mallari, B., Spaeth, E. K., Goh, H., Boyd, B. S. (2019). Virtual reality as an analgesic for acute and chronic pain in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Pain Research, 12, 2053-2085. DOI 10.2147/JPR.S200498 ↩︎
  6. Kizmaz, E., Telli Atalay, O., Çetin, N., & Uğurlu, E. (2024). Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial. Respiratory Medicine, 230, 107696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107696 ↩︎
  7. D’Cunha, N. M., Nguyen, D., Naumovski, N., McKune, A. J., Kellett, J., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Frost, J., & Isbel, S. (2019). A mini-review of virtual reality-based interventions to promote well-being for people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Gerontology, 65(4), 430-440. DOI: 10.1159/000500040 ↩︎
  8. Scarmagnan, G. S., Lino, T. B., Pimentel, D.E., Silva, A. V. B., da Silva Ramos, I. M., Christofoletti, G. (2024). Benefits of a dual-task training on motor and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 103(5), 377-383. DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002352 ↩︎

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Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), offering innovative solutions to common clinical challenges. As the evidence supporting VR in skilled rehab grows, it’s clear that this technology can reshape patient care and outcomes. Check out our latest blog to find out how incorporating VR into therapy has the potential to transform rehab in the SNF space.

Boosting Patient Outcomes & Engagement with Group Therapy

Boosting Patient Engagement & Outcomes with Group Therapy

The highlights:

  • Recent research shows that incorporating group therapy alongside individual treatment can significantly improve patient self-care performance in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). 
  • Group therapy in SNFs creates a supportive network that promotes growth, learning, and improved socialization skills while reducing feelings of isolation among patients. 
  • Implementing group therapy can be cost-effective, allowing therapists to provide impactful care to more patients while maintaining high-quality outcomes.   

For skilled nursing facilities seeking to deliver optimal patient care, group therapy is a powerful tool that can increase patient engagement and enhance therapy outcomes while optimizing resources. Let’s explore how this treatment modality can benefit both patients and facilities seeking to elevate their standard of care. 

Key Benefits of Group Therapy in SNFs

Better Patient Engagement and Outcomes

Recent research published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy demonstrates that incorporating group therapy sessions alongside individual treatment can lead to significant improvements in patient self-care performance. The study found that patients participating in both group and individual occupational therapy sessions showed statistically- significant improvements in self–care compared to those receiving only individual sessions.1

Increased Patient Satisfaction

The same study revealed that 76% of participants were satisfied with group therapy sessions, compared to 60% satisfaction with individual treatment. This suggests that patients not only benefit from group therapy but also enjoy the experience.

Improved Socialization and Connection

Regular participation in group therapy sessions provides patients with a chance to socialize and give and receive support throughout a shared experience. This approach can foster valuable social connections among patients, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Motivation Through Healthy Competition

Group settings also provide an opportunity for patients to engage in healthy competition, which can boost engagement and motivate patients to exercise longer and at a greater intensity throughout their session.

Cost-Effective Care

Group therapy enables facilities to efficiently provide care to more patients simultaneously, making it a cost-effective supplement to individual therapy. This can help SNFs manage resources while maintaining high-quality care. 

Real-World Skill Application

Group sessions enable therapists to perform interventions in more complex or distractible environments that mimic real-world experiences. This helps patients practice day-to-day life tasks they typically do with others, enhancing the transfer of skills to daily life upon discharge. 

Considerations for Effective Group Therapy Implementation

To maximize the benefits of group therapy, therapists should consider the following when designing and delivering treatment:

  • Focus Areas: Determine whether the group will target specific impairments, mobility, self-care, or education.
  • Group Size: Ensure that the group size allows for safety, active engagement, and appropriate challenges for all members. Medicare Part A guidelines suggest groups of two to six residents.
  • Balance with Individual Treatment: While group therapy offers numerous benefits, it should complement, not replace, individualized care. The study mentioned above found optimal results when group sessions were combined with individual therapy.

Regulatory Considerations

When implementing group therapy, it’s crucial to adhere to payer guidelines: 

Medicare Part AMedicare Part BOther Payers
Defines group therapy as the treatment of two to six residents performing the same or similar activities, supervised by a therapist or assistant not overseeing other individuals.Considers group therapy as the treatment of two or more patients simultaneously, who may or may not be performing the same activity. For other payers, follow Medicare Part A guidelines unless otherwise specified.

Maximizing Quality Care

Group therapy in skilled nursing facilities offers a win-win solution, benefiting both patients and providers. As you consider incorporating or expanding group therapy in your facility, remember that the key to success lies in thoughtful implementation. By carefully designing groups, balancing them with individual care, and adhering to regulatory guidelines, you can harness the full potential of this powerful treatment modality to provide impactful patient care. 

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  1. Luchynsky, M. K., Ashbaugh, K., Bowser, A., Campisi, E., Gleixner, M., Heinbach, B., & Snak, A. (2023). Efficacy of utilizing the group mode of treatment delivery in OT for skilled nursing facility settings. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(Supplement_2), 7711510267p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO267 ↩︎

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For skilled nursing facilities seeking to deliver optimal patient care, group therapy is a powerful tool that can increase patient engagement and enhance therapy outcomes while optimizing resources. Let’s explore how this treatment modality can benefit both patients and facilities seeking to elevate their standard of care.