WH was transferred to BridgePoint’s Capitol Hill Continuing Care Hospital Long Term Acute Care facility on November 18, 2015 after undergoing cardiac surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Postoperative pulmonary complications resulted in acute respiratory failure and generalized body deconditioning which necessitated his transfer to a long term acute care unit. He was admitted on a trach collar and was being fed via G-tube. Upon admission he was in need of trach care, oxygen therapy, wound care, nutritional therapy, rehabilitation, and assistance with ADLs.
The Journey
The interdisciplinary team that coordinated care for WH consisted of a Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Respiratory Therapist and Wound Care Specialist. In addition, he received treatment from Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, who formed a regular treatment regimen for him consisting of daily functional exercises and mobility training sessions. His dedication and compliance to his course of treatment helped him recover at a fair pace. After enduring 11 weaning days, he was decannulated on the 29th of November, 2015 and was eventually transferred to a regular diet from the feeding tube.
Achieved Functional Independence
During the course of his therapy, WH achieved high level of independence, going from maximum assistance with ADLs to being able to get in and out of bed independently, ambulate 400+ feet with the help of a rolling walker and minimal supervision, as well as feed and dress himself. He was discharged back to his home on room air!
WH
Admitting Diagnosis: Respiratory Failure 2’ to Cardiac Surgery
Admission Date: 11.18.2015
Discharge Date: 12.8.2015
Discharge Location: Home
WH was decannulated within 11 days of admission. Gradually, with treatment, he was able to achieve high level of functional independence and return home.
