When patients experience a high-level spinal cord injury, they are usually ventilator-dependent, at least initially. Craig Hospital has one of the most comprehensive programs in the country for individuals who are ventilator-dependent and their families. Approximately 15 percent of our patients with spinal cord injury are ventilator-dependent, and at any given time, there are 8-12 ventilator patients in the hospital. The program is for individuals on ventilators who plan to return home after rehabilitation. The goals of the program include medical stabilization, weaning from the ventilator when possible, and training the patient and family in home-care techniques and health management.

The admissions process includes an on-site consultation with the patient and family, and involves assessment of the patient and making preliminary recommendations about pulmonary goals, home discharge plans, equipment for mobility, transportation, ventilation, and tentative timelines and costs.

Services in the ventilator program include medical management; nursing care and teaching; respiratory care; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; patient and family counseling; case management; transportation assessment; therapeutic recreation; discharge planning; and follow-up services. When necessary, a nurse and/or respiratory therapist accompanies the patient and family on the return trip home, and assists with home teaching and equipment.

10 clinical practices key to Craig's ventilator and weaning program