Congratulations to physicians and staff members of the Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Princeton Medical Center (PMC), which recently earned three-year accreditation from CARF International, an independent nonprofit that promotes quality, patient-centered care and continuous performance improvement.
“This is a significant achievement,” said Princeton Health CEO James Demetriades, “because it shows that we not only meet or exceed standards of patient care but we are also committed to monitoring our performance and implementing plans to elevate the level of care and services we provide.”
PMC earned accreditation for its inpatient rehabilitation and stroke specialty programs following a comprehensive survey this spring in Acute Rehab. PMC is one of only nine New Jersey hospitals to hold accreditation from CARF (formerly the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).
Among Penn Medicine entities, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital are also accredited by CARF. PMC previously earned CARF accreditation in 2016 and 2019. The new accreditation is valid through May 31, 2025.
Acute Rehab is a 17-bed unit that provides intensive, individualized therapies and medical management to people recovering from serious injury or illness to help them regain function and transition to home. Care is provided in an on-site gym and a variety of public and home-like settings – including a unique, apartment-style suite within the unit – where people can practice life skills and daily activities in preparation for returning home.
CARF surveyors noted 11 Areas of Strength, including staff communication and teamwork, high patient satisfaction, organizational support for continuing education, and Princeton Health’s affiliation with Penn Medicine, which offers benefits to patients such as a unified medical record that allows for enhanced communication and continuity of care. The strengths also included the hospital’s facilities, with the report praising environmental services staff for the cleanliness of the unit and the organization for providing physical spaces that are well-laid-out, spacious, and bright.