Although “Falls Prevention” remains a major goal for all SNF’s, most programs and approaches focus exclusively on environmental techniques such as providing safety bars or equipment or medical intervention, such as medication management. While physical and occupational therapies help increase strength and aid in falls prevention, many patients are unable to tolerate long therapy sessions, posing a challenge for facility rehabilitation departments. The 2WayView system is an innovative, internet-based system that focuses on individual behavioral and educational variables in reducing falls. Working with a therapist, patients use a structured program to learn and internalize principles that increase personal awareness to environmental hazards and teach individuals to ask for help in appropriate circumstances. When used appropriately as part of a clinical plan, the 2WayView system provides a modality for the therapist that may support the rehab component of the RUGS categorization of reimbursement. (Contact 2WayView for a white paper on using this tool for RUGS rehab categorization, and always consult your reimbursement consultant for applicability in your clinical situation)
How the program works
Each exercise is presented through use of animated characters, designed to increase attention to the instructions provided. Exercises are also presented in the form of a conversation between the characters and the patient, with a web-camera allowing the patient to “participate” in the conversation and view him/herself on the screen as the conversation (and instructions of the characters) progresses. Throughout the entire series of exercises, the patient remains a central member of the mock “conversation”, enhancing attention and retention of the material presented.
In order to move to the next exercise, the patient must either choose between two choices or present a verbal response to a verbal cue of one the characters. Progression is dependent on the nature of the response, which is evaluated by the attending therapist. If the response is not adequate, the therapist can work with the patient on modifying the response till it meets criteria as a “correct” response so that progress to the next exercise is possible. Each response and the number of trials till “correct” is documented and available for retrieval at a later date. Logs that automatically tally the exact amount of MDS “minutes” store all patient data, which can be printed and attached to treatment records.
The science behind the program
2WayView’s system uses an “active” learning approach, where the patient repeatedly participates in choosing correct responses rather than passively listening to instructions. The “falls prevention” model is based on teaching patients functional skills required to attain the goal of safe and independent ambulation. Behavioral factors, including factors related to fear, lack of attention, inability to retain information, etc., are often related to reasons why patients fail to assimilate therapeutic instructions and likewise fail to progress in therapy. Addressing these issues insures that functional goals are reached and progress is made.
Reimbursement
As an equipment lease, the 2WayView system qualifies as a deductible expense on a facility’s RHCF-4 report in New York State. Furthermore, by using the program within a clinical treatment plan, the time spent in using the system would qualify as additional“minutes” of rehabilitation time.
2WayView.com
The “Falls Prevention” module is one aspect of a comprehensive website that is specifically tailored for each facility. Besides the rehabilitation programs, such as the “falls prevention” module, 2WayView features an integrated website that includes clinical information for patients and families as well as a unique and secure web-based video communication system that connects families and facility residents. By clicking here or going to www.2WayView.com, you can view a sample site.
Access to the rehabilitation programs is via secure username and password only. Trial access and a demonstration of the system is available by contacting Chaya Kafri, Distribution Director.
