Description

The 2024 Rehab Symposium brings together experts and leaders in the rehab industry to educate, motivate, and inspire attendees. The Rehab Symposium offers education and information vital to physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and administrators.

Agenda

Session Descriptions & Objectives

Session One: GG-Whiz: Connecting the Dots from the OASIS to Utilization to Value-Based Performance
John Rabbia, PT, DPT, MS, MBA, COS-C, SimiTree

This session will dive deep into the nuances of OASIS M and GG items, providing a clear understanding of how to accurately score each. We will then explore the format of HHVBP IPRs, focusing on achievement and performance thresholds and the critical distinction between percentages and percentiles when identifying areas with the highest ROI potential. Finally, we will examine the OASIS-based factors that influence the measurement of acuity and subsequent expected visit utilization for patients within each Patient Driven Grouping.

Objectives:

• Attendees will understand and apply OASIS GG item guidance and scoring conventions.
• Attendees will accurately interprete HHVBP Interim Performance Reports and will understand how to prioritize areas for improvement.
• Attendees will apply knowledge of PDGM measures of patient acuity to clinical decision making when determining the appropriate number of visits to make for a given patient.

John Rabbia, PT, DPT, MS, MBA, COS-C, joined the SimiTree team in 2021 to provide clinical and operational consulting, offering more than 20 years of experience in leading organizations to achieve quality and financial efficiency through continuous performance improvement. Initially trained as a physical therapist and wound care consultant, John's extensive background includes agency management, operational turnaround, clinical quality, and business development.

During 2015-2018 at NYC Health & Hospitals: At Home, New York, NY, John served as Chief Quality Officer and Deputy Executive Director, managing the quality program, a health home, and internal care management agency with a workforce of 500 and serving 60,000 patients annually. He also served as the Associate Executive Director, leading home health operations in four city boroughs, and as Director of Quality Assurance and Health Care Standards, managing multiple community settings and improving standards of excellence for New York City's publicly operated Federally Qualified Health Center.

From 2007-2015 at VNA Homecare, Syracuse, NY, John held progressive roles including Executive Vice President, Director of Performance Excellence and Compliance Officer, following five years of service as Quality and Education Supervisor for the rehabilitation and wound care program. He has a strong foundation of expertise as both a wound care consultant and physical therapist.

Certified in EpicCare Home Health and as an OASIS specialist, John also has extensive experience with Homecare Homebase as a provider and consultant, supporting design, validation and implementation efforts that include testing, training, and live support to develop teams. He earned an MBA in healthcare management from Western Governor's University, Salt Lake City, and completed certificates of advanced study in public health and health policy management at Syracuse University. In addition to earning his doctorate in physical therapy at Temple University, Philadelphia, he graduated from Ithaca College, with an M.S. in Physical Therapy and a B.S. in Clinical Science.

Active in our industry as a key collaborator, author, and educator for many years, John is a member of the quality and policy committees of the Home Care Association of New York State, where he previously served on the Board of Directors. He is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and a diplomat of the American Academy of Wound Management.

Session Two: Clinical Pearls in Home Health Heart Failure Rehabilitation
Konrad J. Dias, PT, DPT, PhD, California State University; Kenneth L Miller, PT, DPT, PhD (c), GCS, Medical University of South Carolina

This session will delve into the intricacies of heart failure, providing a comprehensive overview of its introduction, classification, and pathophysiological considerations. We will explore the ABCDE framework, an evidence-based knowledge translation tool designed to enhance home health care for patients with heart failure. By examining real-world examples and case scenarios, participants will gain valuable insights into applying evidence-based science to home health practice, incorporating the 5Ms (Medication, Mentality, Mobility, Meals, and Monitoring). This session will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver optimal care to patients with heart failure in the home setting.

Objectives:

• Review key updates on the classification and pathohysiology of heart failure.
• Implement patient-centered strategies related to assessment of stability, behavior modification, cardiorespiratory fitness examination, dosage of interventions, and education.
• Apply clinical strategies in management of heart failure within the home health setting.

Faculty:

Konrad J. Dias PT, DPT, PhD, CCS is an energetic, animated and passionate educator. He utilizes technology and clinical examples to translate complex concepts and evidence into improving daily patient care. As a certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist and as a Professor of Physical Therapy at Maryville University of St. Louis; Dr. Dias has maintained an advanced record of teaching, scholarship, service and professional development. He has authored the clinical practice guidelines for managing patients with heart failure, and has disseminated contemporary physical therapy practice both nationally and internationally. Dr. Dias has also authored several chapters in renowned textbooks and published articles in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. His joy and passion for teaching, research and patient care makes him an apt instructor for continuing education courses.

Kenneth L. Miller, PT, DPT, PhD (c), GCS is an assistant professor at the Medical University of South Carolina in the Division of Physical Therapy. Dr. Miller is a board-certified geriatric clinical specialist, and advanced credentialed exercise expert for aging adults. His clinical focus is on best practices for use with the older adult population. He has spoken nationally and internationally on topics of gerontology including pharmacology, primary prevention, frailty, outcome measures, best practices, and pain management for the older adult. He is currently involved in research regarding student and early professional physical therapist’s mental health, resilience, and burnout.

He serves as the director of practice for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and co-led the guiding principles task force with the creation of the guiding principles for best practices documents for clinical practice. He has served as co-editor of the Ciccone’s Pharmacology in Rehabilitation 5^th edition textbook update and will be a co-author for the sixth edition. Dr. Miller recently was recently honored with the faculty achievement award at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and President’s Award from the Academy of Home Health Physical Therapy.

Session Three: Medication Management and the Home Health Therapist
Cindy Krafft, PT, MS, HCS-O, K&K Health Care Solutions

This session will delve into the complex intersection of therapy organizations' policies, home health specific regulations, and the critical role of therapists in medication management. By examining the SOC OASIS elements related to medication management, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how therapy clinical practice can directly impact patient outcomes. Through the use of case studies, we will explore real-world scenarios and discuss strategies to ensure defensible documentation that supports the medical necessity of therapy services. This session will empower clinicians to effectively manage medications and document their interventions to optimize patient care and achieve positive results. 

Objectives:

• Explore the regulations that define medication regimen review.
• Define the roles and responsibilities of therapists and assistants in medication management when they are the only service on the plan of care and a part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Examine the documentation components that should be utilized by therapists when documenting medication management issues.

Faculty:

Cindy Krafft PT, MS, HCS-O brings more than 25 years of home health expertise that started with direct patient care and evolved to operational and management issues. Cindy recognizes that providing care in the home environment is different from providing care in any other setting, which is evident in both her training and consultation activities.

For the past 15 years, Cindy has been a nationally recognized educator in the areas of OASIS integration, defensible documentation, practical application of regulations, and patient focused clinical decision making. She has served in several national projects involving CMS and been an expert resource for OASIS updates. Her focus is on providing the knowledge and tools to operationalize external requirements while keeping the driver of care where it needs to be--the needs of each patient being cared for in the home setting.

Cindy has been working with APTA, NAHC and CMS to clarify regulatory expectations and address proposed payment methodologies to ensure the long-term participation of therapy services in home health. She has written two books--The How-to Guide to Home Health Therapy Documentation and An Interdisciplinary Approach to Home Care--and coauthored a third, The Post-Acute Care Guide to Maintenance Therapy.

Session Four: Bits, Bytes, and Bedside Manner: AI's Uncertain Pulse in Healthcare
Gabriel Alain, PT, DPT, PhD, Ohio State University

Immerse yourself in the future of healthcare with "Bits, Bytes, and Bedside Manner: AI's Uncertain Pulse in Healthcare." This inspiring and thought-provoking presentation will explore the emerging role of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare. Attendees will journey through the history and foundational concepts of LLMs, gaining insight into their potential and pitfalls. Through demonstrations and real-world examples, discover how these frontier technologies could reshape clinical practices, administration, and education. Designed for rehabilitation professionals, healthcare administrators, and PT faculty, this session will ignite curiosity and spark conversations about the future of AI in healthcare.

Objectives:

• Introduce the Concept of Large Language Models: Provide an overview of what LLMs are and why they are significant in the context of modern healthcare.
• Showcase Emerging Applications: Present inspiring examples and potential use cases of LLMs in various aspects of healthcare, from patient care to administrative functions.
• Discuss Fears, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations: Address the broader challenges, limitations, and ethical questions surrounding the use of LLMs in healthcare settings.
• Foster Critical Thinking and Discussion: Engage participants in a stimulating Q&A session to explore their perspectives, experiences, and visions for the integration of AI in healthcare.

Faculty:

Dr. Gabriel Alain PT, DPT, PhD, Board Certified in Geriatric Physical Therapy, a multifaceted professional with a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, a doctorate in physical therapy and a board certified geriatric physical therapist, and a background in data.

Dr. Alain’s work focuses on quality improvement and systems thinking in healthcare, combining academic research with clinical expertise. He is dedicated to developing strategies that elevate care standards and operational efficiency, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the quality of life for healthcare professionals.

As a tech enthusiast and data aficionado, Dr. Alain excels in leveraging data analytics to inform decision-making and innovate solutions. His unique blend of scientific research, clinical experience, and technological proficiency allows him to bridge the gap between theory and practice effectively.

Dr. Alain’s goal is to contribute meaningfully to his field and inspire others through his work in quality improvement, healthcare innovation, and data-driven solutions.

Continuing Education

Attendees receive 6.5 continuing education units for the following Florida Boards: skilled nursing, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Recording

This education will be recorded and the recording will be available to all registrants after conclusion of the event.

Confirmation

Prior to the webinar, the Zoom link will be emailed to you along with any handouts.

Registration Deadline

Registration deadline September 16, 2024.