Translating Research and Quality Improvement into High Quality Rehabilitative Care: a Case Study

Given the contemporary demands for the demonstration of quality in rehabilitive care, it is critical that PM&R can lead in generating innovative models of care that provide a meaningful return on investment. This has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a greater reliance on telehealth modes of care. Both clinical research and quality improvement methods are tools that can facilitate this process successfully. As an example of this process, this session will describe the development of a model of care known as Live Long Walk Strong that targets the prevention of functional decline among older adults with frailty and high fall risk. It will highlight experience within healthcare systems serving both Civilians and Veterans, applying both traditional and telehealth models of care to establish a successful model of geriatric rehabilitative care. The lessons learned have relevance to PM&R more broadly and to providers from all levels of background and training.