The goals of the program include SCI rehabilitation, education, and when possible, weaning.
Every effort is made to wean the individual off of the ventilator.
This is done through the cooperative efforts of the physiatrists and internists specializing in pulmonary medicine, in conjunction with the rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and respiratory therapists. If weaning does not appear possible, electrophysiologic testing of both phrenic nerves and the diaphragm is done to determine the individual's candidacy for electrophrenic nerve pacing. In some cases, the person may remain ventilator dependent. Throughout the person's stay intensive education is provided to the patient and his or her family members. They will become knowledgeable about the ventilator settings and alarms.