Principles of Rehabilitation

In this essay I will discuss theoretical principals of rehabilitation of a particular patient I cared for while on clinical placement. It will focus on the role of the multidisciplinary team involved in this rehabilitation process post acute myocardial infarction and the education and support given to the patient and her family during the discharge planning process. Also I will be including statistics and evidence of pathophysiology. The National Service Framework for Older People (Department of Health, 2001) sets out eight standards including standard three about intermediate care services that promote independence and provide effective rehabilitation services. Active rehabilitation is seen to reduce the risks of hospital readmission, increase the likelihood of discharge from hospital, and prevent older people being placed in long-term residential care.

The aim of this essay is to analyse the rehabilitation process and understand the principles of rehabilitation for nursing practice. This will be achieved based on the reason for the patient 's admission. Discussion on the patient 's rehabilitation needs, the rehabilitation members who were involved in relation to the phase of cardiac rehabilitation that was used. The goal of the rehabilitation is to help the patient achieve optimal function again. The common goals for the rehab include: improved independence in the performance of basic activities of daily living such as grooming, dressing, hygiene and feeding, laundry and housekeeping tasks, meal planning, grocery shopping and community mobility. Also to provide the patient with education to help prevent another stroke. To abide by the Nursing and Midwifery council (NMC) code of Professional Conduct (2002) on confidentiality the patient will be referred to as Amanda. Amanda was a 56 years old lady, who lived with her husband. She had four children. She smoked 20-30 cigarettes a day for the 25 years and drinks alcohol occasionally. Her past medical