CNS Successfully Transitioned to Telehealth, Enabling Patients to Continue Treatment Remotely

By Madison McCormack, Centre for Neuro Skills

On March 30, Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), a premier provider of traumatic and acquired brain injury rehabilitation services of 40 years, transitioned the delivery of all patient therapy sessions to telehealth technology.

In response to safety protocols from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state authorities during the current public health crisis, CNS swiftly migrated their operations to ensure the safety of patients and staff without compromising the quality of treatment.

CNS teaches activities of daily living (ADLs) to individuals with brain injury, helping them to reduce disability, maximize independence, and achieve the highest possible quality of life. Essential life skills are taught at six CNS clinic locations across California and Texas, such as personal care, meal preparation, housework, financial management, and professional skills.

The provider’s telehealth program replicates the day program provided in the clinical setting, consisting of 4-6 hours of intensive, individualized daily treatment, from either 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with an hour for lunch) or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patients receive the same dosage of therapy remotely and benefit from the full spectrum of therapeutic disciplines and patient communications. This includes speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, education therapy, case management, counseling, family communication, and physician or specialist oversight.

CNS has been providing telehealth services for several years, expanding its capacity to offer rehabilitation services virtually while maintaining clinical excellence. The secure HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant platform facilitates real-time interaction between staff and patients. And it has enabled patients to continue multidisciplinary treatment programs in the home setting during this time.

Innovative CNS therapists are making use of the home environment to instruct patients as they would in the clinic. For example, a cognitive rehabilitation therapist is helping a patient work towards her goal of returning to work as a surgeon, by creating exercises such as practicing suturing skills using an orange and dish towels from her kitchen. Another therapist is helping a patient build the skills needed to return to work as an interior designer, with activities to practice creating floor plans and furniture layouts.

The company’s quick response to the COVID-19 pandemic and successful conversion to telehealth has kept patients in rehabilitation and ensured its continued delivery of high-quality, patient-centered therapy to support durable outcomes.

In remote rehabilitation, patients are making impressive strides and advancing the skills needed to achieve maximum independence.