An Innovative Preventive and Rehabilitative Model for Acute Care: The Independence Model

The Independence Model (TIM) is a new rehabilitative model of care implemented in an acute care hospital to address patients' functional decline and a high vacancy rate for rehabilitation therapists. TIM was developed by a team with expertise in evidence, scope of practice and roles, population care needs, and current state related to rehabilitation. TIM utilizes rehabilitation assistants, supervised by physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists, to assist patients in functional areas such as ambulation, activities of daily living (ADLs), cognition and communication. The planning team ensured patient engagement, utilized change management principles, and evaluated the effectiveness of care. Preliminary evaluation of TIM was positive, with staff reporting improved caseload quality and patients feeling more prepared for discharge. This study suggests innovative models of care, such as TIM, can help address the functional needs of patients while navigating the global health human resource crisis.