First Program Accreditation Standards for Concussion Rehabilitation Created with Input from JFK Johnson Concussion Expert

Christine Greiss, D.O., contributes expertise to Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities standards and community awareness of new protocols

Concussion treatment has advanced significantly in the past decade, and Christine Greiss, D.O., a noted leader in the field, was invited by CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) to provide input on the creation of the first-ever standards for concussion rehabilitation programs. The new CARF standards were released in January.

“We’ve experienced an evolution in how we assess and treat people with concussion,” said Dr. Greiss, medical director of the Concussion Rehabilitation Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. “We have developed a greater understanding of the brain chemistry of concussion and how we can help patients, especially those with persistent symptoms.”

The committee also will build professional and community awareness of the standards.

“In the past, we did not have the right tools to really understand what was going on in patients with concussion. It was like trying to measure driving distances with a tape measure,” Dr. Greiss said. “At JFK Johnson, our patients now undergo a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. They may have a balance evaluation, vestibular ocular motor screening, tests for neuro-endocrine dysfunction and other assessments.”

When developing the new standards, a team from CARF International conducted a site visit of JFK Johnson’s concussion program to learn about its extensive interdisciplinary approach.

“Dr. Greiss was among the providers we sought input from to determine the first-ever Concussion Rehabilitation Standards,” said Terrence Carolan, managing director of medical rehabilitation for CARF International. “These standards are now available for organizations to seek accreditation in concussion rehabilitation. Our goal is to improve standards of care and improve quality and performance.”

Dr. Greiss also was invited to speak on the new CARF standards at the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) national conference last year in New Orleans.

Dr. Greiss frequently treats patients whose symptoms were dismissed, or who were inappropriately treated. Many have suffered for months, even years, with severe headache, depression, dizziness, cognitive impairment and other symptoms.

“Unfortunately, patients often struggle to find the right provider to address their unique symptoms at the right time,” Carolan said. “As we see the number of concussion rehabilitation programs expand across the world, CARF accreditation will assure the public that these accredited programs are held to the highest standards of quality and performance improvement.”

Learn more about innovative rehabilitative care at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.