Pediatrics

Children and adolescents require a different approach to rehabilitation. Madonna calls upon the expertise of experienced clinicians with in-depth knowledge of the unique needs of pediatric patients. The primary physician may be a pediatric hospitalist, a physiatrist who is board certified in rehabilitative medicine and/or a nurse practitioner. When necessary, specialty physicians are consulted. The primary focus of the medical team is to restore function and promote overall health in collaboration with the family throughout the therapeutic process.

Madonna therapists work in unison with physicians to help patients regain skills that may have been lost or impaired by illness or injury. For pediatric patients, this might mean helping an infant with grasping or sitting, or helping an adolescent patient return to their favorite sport. Physical and occupational therapists utilize specially designed spaces to simulate life at home and in the community to provide variety and keep patients engaged. Our indoor and outdoor playground spaces and warm water therapy pools are favorites among pediatric patients. Speech and language pathologists help restore communication, promote thinking and learning abilities as well as assist with feeding challenges. Staff neuro-optometrists can assess vision needs and prescribe vision therapy. Recreation therapy employs a variety of games and adaptive recreational activities, including off-site activities when appropriate to rediscover the fulfillment of leisure and fun. 

Madonna provides a full continuum of care for pediatric patients, regardless of the severity of illness or injury. Our hospitals are equipped to care for patients on ventilators or in a minimally conscious state, including patients who have suffered mild trauma or are recovering from disease. 

Once patients are healthy enough to discharge to their communities, our Rehabilitation Day Program (RDP) may be appropriate. Patients return to our campus two to five times per week for several daily hours of therapy, split among multiple disciplines of occupational, speech and physical therapy. A registered nurse is a team member on the RDP program allowing for closer medical management in collaboration with the referring physician to support the intensity necessary to continue recovery in the community. RDP allows for community reintegration while still benefiting from a rigorous therapy schedule.

Outpatient therapy is offered through Madonna’s TherapyPlus clinics. Frequency of treatment is unique to each patient. Outpatient therapy can include one or more discipline and vary in frequency depending on patient needs.

Offering multiple levels of care within the same organization allows for collaboration and communication between therapy teams, as well as a predictable and proven therapy model to maximize outcomes.

Adolescents and children participating in our rehabilitation program attend school in the Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC). The TLC is a learning environment within the hospital with licensed teachers who assist the patient’s transition back to school (elementary through college). The program enables students to stay current with their grade level and classmates whenever possible.

Registered nurses with pediatric experience and rehabilitation training are on staff at all times to care for patients. Madonna’s nursing model supports a 24/7 rehabilitative approach allowing patients additional opportunities to practice daily skills learned and supported by therapy throughout their stay, even outside of scheduled therapy sessions. Nursing staff also provides ongoing education and training for parents and other caregivers so they feel confident in caring for their child’s medical needs once they return home.

Madonna staffs licensed respiratory care practitioners at all times. Our respiratory therapists are able to provide arterial blood gas (ABG) services. Madonna is recognized as a Center of Excellence for Vapotherm and the Passy-Muir valve, specialized technology benefiting patients with tracheostomy tubes.

Madonna offers radiology services that include X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, echocardiogram, venous doppler, arterial doppler, Holter monitor, sleep study and electroencephalogram (EEG).

Madonna's hospitals utilize in-house laboratory services to help diagnose and monitor patient conditions. Tests such as anticoagulation, hematology, chemistry, therapeutic drug level testing and urine analysis services with results often available the same day.

Madonna provides a full range of inpatient pharmacy services, including medication distribution, patient education and clinical/dosing services.

Madonna has registered dietitians and licensed medical nutrition therapists who are part of the care team and ensure the patient's individualized nutrition plan is met.

Neuropsychologists and rehabilitation counselors are an integral part of recovery at Madonna. They provide a variety of services, including educational testing, adjustment counseling, family therapy, behavioral management and education to the individual and caregivers following life-changing events that bring families to Madonna.

Assistive Technology Professional certified therapists provide seating and positioning evaluations for patients who require the use of a wheelchair for mobility. Additionally, computerized pressure mapping assessments for individualized wheelchair prescriptions and recommendations for driving and vehicle modifications are offered.

Spiritual care is an important component of healing. Madonna is committed to meeting the needs of our patients, regardless of their individual beliefs. Chaplains and other spiritual care professionals consult with the care teams and visit patients to provide direct support when requested. Chapels are available on both campuses, as well as ample green spaces for contemplation and respite.

Helping parents and other caregivers feel confident in caring for their child at home is a critical component of our pediatric program. The Parents Engaged in Rehab for Kids Success PERKS program meets weekly and is designed to target topics that ready families for community reentry and integration back into the home community.  Therapy and nursing staff work together providing education and one to one opportunities to practice daily living activities, medical procedures, operation and maintenance of assistive devices, transfers in and out of vehicles and other important skills necessary upon return to the community. When appropriate, families may practice new skills in a transitional living apartment when appropriate to confidently ready themselves prior to the transition home.

Successful transition back to the community is the primary goal of rehabilitation. With pediatric patients, this often includes their school environment and any recreational or leisure activities. Therapy goals are designed around each patient's individual interests. Off-site visits with therapists provide additional support for families in places like grocery stores, airports, houses of worship and other places they will visit frequently.

Feeding and swallowing problems (called dysphagia) are extremely complex and surprisingly common in children. Without treatment, these disorders can have lasting effects on a child’s physical and emotional development. The Pediatric Rehabilitation Program at Madonna offers a comprehensive assessment that takes into consideration a child’s unique individual needs relating to their feeding and swallowing problem. 

Madonna is the only hospital in the region to provide an extensive vision rehabilitation program delivered by specially trained experts who use state-of-the-art technology to help patients of all ages with visual impairments resulting from illness or injury to maximize their quality of life in home and community-related roles.

Madonna is committed to the lifelong success and wellness of our patients. When appropriate, we offer services such as home modifications, assistive technology, orthotics, prosthetics and emotional support resources for patients during and after their preparation to return home. 

Click to download pediatric scope of services document.