Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds- Acute Care: Neuro ICU
Course Overview
This interdisciplinary grand rounds event examines the collaborative management of the medically complex acute care patient through the integrated perspectives of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Participants will engage with a real-world patient case that highlights the critical role of rehabilitation professionals in the acute care and ICU setting, exploring how each discipline contributes uniquely, yet collaboratively, to patient evaluation, goal-setting, and treatment planning. The session will emphasize clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, interprofessional communication, and the importance of early rehabilitation intervention in optimizing functional outcomes, reducing complications, and supporting safe discharge planning for patients with complex medical presentations. Case presented will include a patient in the neuro ICU.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Appraise the distinct yet complementary roles of PT, OT, and SLP in the acute care rehabilitation team and identify opportunities for co-treatment and collaborative goal-setting.
- Develop understanding of how medical complexity influences rehabilitation assessment and intervention across all three disciplines.
- Evaluate principles of patient- and family-centered care to develop an integrated, interdisciplinary treatment plan that reflects the patient's goals, values, and discharge needs.
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Defend the importance of clear, timely interprofessional communication in promoting patient safety, continuity of care, and optimal functional outcomes in the acute care setting.
About the Author/Presenter
Dr.?Grant?Bitzer, PT, DPT, EdD, is a physical therapist with over eight years of experience in critical care, specializing in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as a frontline provider at Duke University Hospital and co-authored a published clinical perspective on adapting physical therapy management for patients with COVID-19. Dr. Bitzer earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2016 and his Doctor of Education from Baylor University in 2024. He currently serves as Associated Faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Duke University and is a member of a research team examining the Integrated Practice Unit model for acute care physical therapy delivery.
Lauren Hew, MOT, OTR/L, graduated from undergrad at University of Central Florida where she studied Psychology and pre-nursing, and graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida. She has been practicing for a total of just under 10 years as an acute care Occupational therapist, focusing on ICU-based care at two large teaching hospitals - with her main patient population in Burns ICU & Medical ICU. She completed Duke University Hospital’s Acute & Critical Care fellowship 2021-2022 (during the height of COVID), where she grew a passion for working with ARDS & ECMO patients. She currently serves as adjunct faculty within Duke’s OTD program, as 1 of 5 mentors for the same fellowship she completed, and in her spare time adventures throughout National Parks and spends time with her family & pups.
Brian Bacchi, CCC-SLP, MS, graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Psychology, and from the University of North Carolina with a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology. He has been a practicing clinician for 10 years in acute care at Duke University Hospital, working with the adult patient population across all services (General Medicine, Neurology, Cardiothoracic / Cardiology, Trauma). He is a Senior Clinician and participates in the development of staff and graduate students for clinical placements. Brian lives in Durham with his wife and son, and also coaches youth volleyball on the side.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
