In mid-summer, the subacute Renaissance Unit at Masonic Homes implemented a new process to get patients home faster by enhancing the quality of care they receive.

A clinical pathway was developed for any resident who meets any of the five diagnostic codes: stroke, hip fracture, hip replacement, knee replacement, and diseases of the lungs. After a patient's case is reviewed by interdisciplinary team members consisting of physicians, nurses, treating therapists, social workers, recreational therapists, respiratory therapists, and dieticians, a personalized pathway is developed by the team specifically for that individual. Then, the patient is told how long he or she will be in rehabilitation and about the daily activities which will help him or her reach that goal. The interdisciplinary team then works to ensure that each patient completes the daily requirements until the date of recovery and release.

Shawnee Masse, Care Manager; Lisa Butler, Director of Rehabilitation; and Laura Hertzog, Assistant Director of Nursing, constructed the plan for clinical pathways.