The Surgical Services & Digestive Health Team

The Surgical Services/Digestive Health physical therapists provide a broad spectrum of medical and surgical care. This service center consists of two intensive care units and three additional "floor" units. These include a regional burn/wound care center (BWCC), the surgical/trauma intensive care unit (STICU), 5 West, 5 Central and 5 East. Our work involves the initial evaluation and treatment of acute surgical, trauma, medicine/digestive health and psychiatric patients. Diagnoses include solid organ transplants (liver, kidney and pancreas), gastrointestinal diseases, urology, general surgery, trauma, and burn injuries.

We are an integral part of the health care team. As professionals, we work together in promoting both the recovery of patients and in establishing appropriate and timely discharges.

 

Student Objectives
  •  Gain a general understanding of medical conditions pertaining to the above diagnoses.
  • Become familiar with common surgical procedures performed on the units.
  • Experience the many factors involved in the care of the critically ill patient.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of mechanical ventilators, ICU monitors and other devices vital for the care of the ICU patient.
  • Be able to perform appropriate patient evaluations and document progress in the medical record as outlined in the documentation guidelines.
  • Design a treatment plan based on evaluative findings for multiple diagnoses.
  • Formulate appropriate treatment protocols considering diagnosis, prognosis, precautions and safe activity/exercise parameters.
  • Demonstrate appropriate treatment techniques focusing on safety, efficiency, precautions and functional gains.
  • Establish objective, attainable and functional goals based on patient assessment.
  • Participate in discharge planning, including attendance at rounds with other health care professionals and family meetings.
  • Order equipment, contact appropriate agencies for PT follow-up and design home exercise programs in preparation for patient discharge.
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