AMRPA and Member Hospitals Receive Extensive Trade Press for Frontline COVID-19 Response Efforts
Remy Kerr, MPH, AMRPA Health Policy and Research Manager
Over the past several months, AMRPA and its member hospitals have received national print and broadcast news media attention for their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. As scientists and health care providers learned more about the novel coronavirus, the importance of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and units (IRH/ Us) was dramatically highlighted. Many survivors of COVID-19 will require ongoing rehabilitation following the acute-phase of the illness, and this increased press coverage helps to ensure federal officials and policymakers recognize the need to support IRH/Us throughout the duration of the public health emergency (PHE) and beyond. Furthermore, the coverage helps bring awareness to the general public about the availability and role of inpatient rehabilitation for COVID-19 recovery and other illnesses and injuries. We’ve highlighted below just a sample of major trade press coverage received by our Association and members: AMRPA in MedPage Today In July, AMRPA hosted a joint Congressional briefing with the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). AMRPA Board members Patty Jobbitt MSA, PT, and David Storto, JD, along with AAPM&R members Steven R. Flanagan, MD, and Keith Foster, MD, MBA, provided insight into the long-term rehabilitation needs facing COVID-19 survivors and their innovative approaches to providing necessary care – including new outpatient centers dedicated to COVID-19 recovery. Panelists urged members of Congress to ensure rehabilitation hospitals and units have the necessary flexibilities, resources (e.g. personal protective equipment ) and funding to treat current patients and respond to future pandemics.
“Long ICU stays can lead to other problems: muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, a form of disorientation called “ICU delirium” and cognitive problems with memory and problem-solving.”
– Live Well Nebraska Magazine
22 AMRPA Magazine / August 2020
AMRPA received coverage of the briefing in MedPage Today, which underscored the value of post-acute care for patients recovering from COVID-19 in hard-hit areas such as Florida. The coverage also highlighted the importance of the many temporary flexibilities and waivers advocated for by AMPRA and ultimately granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), such as the 3-hour rule and 60% rule waivers. Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute In May, Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute was one of the first AMRPA member hospitals to receive press coverage. In its story, Live Well Nebraska magazine detailed the 25day stay (15 of which were on a ventilator) of Ruby Jones, a 73-year old patient in the acute-care hospital’s intensive care unit. Following the prolonged period on a ventilator, Jones, like many COVID survivors, faced complications. She was then admitted to Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute for comprehensive rehabilitation aimed at addressing the complex issues that arose from her time in the ICU. Jones experienced significant functional gains and after 14 days was able to return home, where she continues her recovery.
