Program partners with Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center

On November 1, The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis (TRISL) will transition the hand therapy services it currently provides at the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center to the Program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University. Under this new structure, this arrangement leverages the expertise of Washington University in orthopedics, plastic surgery and occupational therapy to provide exceptional care and convenience for patients.The more than 20 therapists employed at Milliken will continue to provide services per the current practice; however, they will become employees of the Program in Occupational Therapy.

“By aligning the services offered at Milliken solely within the Washington University family, we can create a system of care that will improve the entire experience for patients,” says Carolyn M. Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Elias Michael Executive Director of the Program in Occupational Therapy and professor of occupational therapy, of neurology and of social work. “Operational processes, such as registration and documentation will be simplified as we use the same technology as the WU physicians. We can increase access to research and education for patients and students and most importantly, we can better support patients with their recovery and therapy goals.”

Occupational therapy at Washington University is delivered through the Program’s Community Practice, which provides services to a diverse population, ranging from early childhood to aging adults. Patients are seen in the setting that best meets their needs, including home, school, work or in the clinic.

“We are pleased to extend our reach into the community and expand our clinical services for new populations,” says Patricia Nellis, MBA, OTR/L, director of clinical operations for the Program in Occupational Therapy. “Following plastic and/or orthopedic surgery, OT can help ensure patients recover fine-motor skills, restore function and improve their ability to perform daily tasks as quickly as possible. Hand injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to function as desired – this partnership is an excellent opportunity to deliver exceptional care and empower patients so that they can get back to doing the things they love following a hand injury or disability.”

The Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center provides a comprehensive treatment approach to specialized hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. The occupational, physical and certified hand therapists within the current practice have more than 50 years of combined experience in treating patients with dysfunction due to amputation, arthritis, burns, congenital deformities, Dupuytren's disease, repetitive use, sports injuries and trauma.

Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Centers are located in Chesterfield at 14532 South Outer Forty Drive, and in the Center for Advanced Medicine located at 4921 Parkview Place on the Washington University Medical School campus.

For questions or more information, please contact Pat Nellis.

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