Acute rehabilitation unit

Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) is a specialized department within a hospital that focuses on intensive rehabilitation services for patients who have experienced a significant decline in their physical or cognitive abilities due to a severe illness or injury.

Overview

An Acute Rehabilitation Unit is designed to help patients regain their independence and return to their normal lives as quickly as possible. This is achieved through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and other specialized services.

Admission Criteria

Patients are typically admitted to an ARU if they have experienced a significant decline in their physical or cognitive abilities due to a severe illness or injury, such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or major multiple trauma. The patient must also be medically stable and able to participate in an intensive rehabilitation program.

Treatment Approach

The treatment approach in an ARU is highly individualized and based on the patient's specific needs and goals. The rehabilitation team, which includes physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, works closely with the patient and their family to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan typically includes intensive therapy sessions, education, and support services to help the patient regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Outcomes

The goal of treatment in an ARU is to help the patient regain their independence and return to their normal lives as quickly as possible. Studies have shown that patients who receive treatment in an ARU often have better outcomes and shorter hospital stays compared to those who receive less intensive rehabilitation services.

See Also

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Major multiple trauma