Intestinal Care & Rehabilitation Center
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is recognized worldwide as a leader in the development of innovative approaches that improve patient care and enhance research. Children’s pioneered the field of pediatric transplantation and expanded into the area of pediatric intestinal transplantation. In 1981, Children’s opened one of the first short bowel clinics in the nation and is recognized internationally for the successful surgical and non-surgical management of children suffering from this disorder. To this end, the nation’s first multidisciplinary, comprehensive Intestinal Care and Rehabilitation Center (ICARE) has been established and is available to care for patients diagnosed with complicated intestinal disorders.
One team, one unit
After patients are referred to the Intestinal Care Center, they are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. This approach ensures continuity of care by integrating treatment plans and encouraging communication among the team, the patient and the family. Patient education and research also are cornerstones of the center. Specialists from Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition Support (TPN), Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology, Nursing, Radiology, Pediatric Surgery and Transplant Surgery are part of the center’s team.
During the initial visit, patients undergo an evaluation by a gastroenterologist, pediatric surgeon, pediatric transplant surgeon, nurse coordinator and dietitian who are specially trained in the care of patients with intestinal dysfunction. Evaluations will be individualized and may take place in either the Intestinal Care and Rehabilitation Center clinic or in the hospital. When testing and examinations are completed, the intestinal care team will discuss each patient’s case, determine a treatment plan and communicate recommendations to the referring physician, another important member of the center’s team. This approach ensures the creation of a fully integrated patient/family-focused plan of care that focuses on continuity.
