In this video, Beth Hansen, PT, DPT, explains what families should look for when choosing an inpatient rehabilitation program for someone with a disorder of consciousness.
Beth highlights the importance of facilities with brain injury–specific expertise, a standardized approach to this patient population, and access to specialized treatments such as casting, advanced wheelchair equipment, gait‑support technology, and dedicated brain injury therapists. She also emphasizes the value of consistent, experienced staff who are committed to caring for patients with severe brain injury.
This video offers practical guidance to help families identify rehab programs equipped to support recovery and promote meaningful outcomes.
Full-screen Title
What makes a good inpatient rehab facility for patients with disorders of consciousness?
With Beth Hansen, PT, DPT
Lower Third
Beth Hansen, PT, DPT
Therapy Manager, Spaulding Brain Injury Program
Spaulding-Harvard TBI Model System
They should absolutely look for a program that has a standard approach to this patient population. They should look for therapists who've had some brain injury specific experience. They should look for facilities that are committed to doing certain treatments like casting, having wheelchair equipment and a wheelchair clinic that patients can go to, having some kind of technology to help someone start walking even when they still require a lot of help. I think those are really key and to have very consistent staff, as well. So are the brain injury therapists the ones who will see these patients? Are they dedicated to that population?
Produced by the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC), this story is part of the Recovering from Disorders of Consciousness Hot Topic Module. The content of this video is based on research and/or professional consensus. This content has been reviewed and approved by experts from the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) centers, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, as well as experts from the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs), with funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The content of the video has also been reviewed by individuals with TBI and/or their family members.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should consult your health care provider about specific medical concerns or treatment. The contents of this video were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPKT0009). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this video do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Copyright © 2026 Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). May be reproduced and distributed freely with appropriate attribution. Prior permission must be obtained for inclusion in fee-based materials.
About the author: Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national center operated by the American Institutes for Research® (AIR®) The MSKTC collaborates with Model System researchers to translate health information into easy to understand language and formats for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and burn injury and those who support them.
