A program for rehabilitation of patients with tuberculosis.

The combined program of chemotherapy with potent antimicrobial agents and decreased application of bed rest provided broad opportunities to expand rehabilitation services and to assist hospitalized tuberculous patients in all areas of social, emotional, and vocational adjustment,”2 Thus, at National Jewish Hospital, it became possible to offer a variety of rehabilitation services specifically designed to meet the special needs of each patient during hospitalization. Compared to the limited opportunities available under the older system of prolonged bed rest and lengthy hospitalization,3 this was a distinct improvement. A widely accepted contemporary philosophy of rehabilitation recognizes that many dynamic factors (physical, emotional and social), constantly interacting and dependent upon each other, must be considered in the management of hospitalized human beings. Evidently every facet of the patient’s life requires consideration in determining the appropriate services needed by the individual at any given time.5 Therefore, a closely integrated medical-rehabilitation program was developed. Patients were provided with the maximum opportunity to participate in and benefit from complete rehabilitation treatment during hospitalization.