Servicemember Transitional Amputation Rehabilitation (STAR) Pilot Program

1. Servicemember Transitional Amputation Rehabilitation (STAR) Pilot Program

2. Mission To provide a program of comprehensive vocational and physical rehabilitation for Servicemembers with amputations that will facilitate successful return to military, federal or civilian employment

3. Key Program Features • Residential program • Interdisciplinary Team Approach • Intensive Vocational Rehab with skills training and internship program • Physical rehabilitation with focus on health and wellness • Facilitation of Medical Board (MEB) completion

4. Program Description • 10 Bed program located at Richmond VAMC in the Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation building • Short-term (3-9 months) transitional, vocational rehab • 2-3 hours of therapy and/or 6-8 hours per day of internship training • Health and wellness program focused on providing structured training in physical and psychological health and wellness

5. Interdisciplinary Team Approach • Physical Medicine & Rehab Physician • Rehabilitation Nurse Case Manager • Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists • Physical and Occupational Therapy Services • Prosthetic and Orthotic Services • Psychology Services • Social Work Services • Nursing Services

6. Vocational Rehabilitation Program • Vocational Specialists provide individualized counseling and intensive support services • Multiple and wide variety of internships available • Objective long-term employment outcomes and employment satisfaction • Close relationship with Virginia Commonwealth University

7. Military Program • Incorporation of Military Liaisons • Military structure and rules • Military behavior standards and code of conduct

8. Program Support • Program is part of VA Amputation System of Care and Richmond VA Regional Amputation Center • Close partnership with Polytrauma System of Care • VACO Rehab Services / Patient Care Services support • CARF accreditation under amputation specialty program

9. FacilitiesPolytrauma Transitional Building

10. Facilities Patient Room with private bath/shower

11. Facilities Transitional Common Area STAR Program Social Area

12. Referral Considerations • Servicemember with extremity amputation • Strong motivation for successful return to gainful employment in the military, federal, or civilian setting • Desire for further community and vocational reintegration • Benefit from a structured and supportive program • Medically able to participate in aggressive physical and vocational rehabilitation programs

13. Referral Process • Referral is made via telephone or email contact to the STAR program RN Case Manager • Once the referral is made, the pre-admission packet can be returned via facsimile • The pre-admission packet is reviewed by the STAR program and a decision regarding appropriateness for admission is made within 24 hours • The decision is communicated to the referral source and contact is made with the client by the STAR RN Case Manager

14. Referral Contacts • Beth Dameron, RN, BSN, CRRN STAR Case Manager Office: 804-675-5648 Pager: 804-351-1386 Mary.Dameron@va.gov • Joseph B. Webster, M.D. Medical Director (804) 675-5000 ext. 7036 (804) 351-1532 (pager) joseph.webster@va.gov