The Unite Professionals Ltd (UPL) Virtual Rehabilitation Clinic (VRC) is a virtual platform that provides a collaborative initiative between UPL and Pure Sports Medicine.
The VRC is an internal closed group platform run monthly to provide UPL case managers with access to a consultant led rehab clinic. The VRC is funded by UPL to facilitate access to consultants in rehab and neuro rehab for trauma, orthopaedic & neuro rehabilitation pathway advice. Case Managers provide an overview of injuries and current management within a referral to the consultants in rehabilitation prior to the clinic. Case Managers have the time during the clinic to discuss their case further and the consultants provide their expert advice and objective overview on the client’s rehabilitation pathway in an anonymous format. This includes recommendations to optimise the process and recommendations for rehabilitation referencing gold standard approach and NICE guidelines.
Discussion can be on a specific part of the client’s rehabilitation, a general overview on their rehab pathway or on a specific question or clinical conundrum. It can involve another invited team member working with the client, such as a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist. Case Managers receive a monthly invite and can choose to attend with cameras and sound muted to use sessions within the closed group to support CPD and peer learning.
The VRC assists to develop the Case managers’ clinical reasoning skills to ensure progress with rehabilitation is as expected, evaluating available rehabilitation options early and/or at the optimal time, in addition to consideration when an alternative direction is needed. Each referral receives a detailed clinic note with advice and recommendations from the consultant following the clinic, supporting the case manager, who is advocating for and co-ordinating rehab services, to best meet their client’s needs with careful consideration to quality, clinically and cost-effective outcomes.
The funding of this VRC promotes efficient communication, joined up collaborative working, sharing of new clinical or rehabilitation interventions, expedited medical management and most importantly a better clinical outcome for the client. The VRC has effectively assisted Case Managers to navigate challenges encountered in rehabilitation pathways, whether it be focused advice and direction on a complex clinical case or clinical scenario, to overcoming barriers to rehabilitation funding in the litigation framework. It also provide options for the Case manager to research, cost and recommend interventions to enhance the clients opportunities to recover function to their best abilities.