Meet the Team
You
You are the most important member of the team. We are here to provide you
with the tools and education needed to achieve the best possible result
from your joint replacement surgery. Our expectations are that you educate
and prepare yourself before the surgery by attending the Joint Replacement
Class, studying the materials given to you at your doctor's office, and
preparing your home for your recovery. After surgery, we encourage you
to enthusiastically involve yourself with team efforts to effectively
manage your pain, mobilize quickly after surgery, and return home to familiar
surroundings. We expect you to actively participate, on a daily basis,
in the rehabilitation exercises. Daily walking activities, motion exercises,
and muscle strengthening exercises are all needed, and we count on you
to do your part for the team.
Orthopedic Surgeon
The surgeon responsible for your joint surgery is board certified in orthopedic
surgery. He or she will be part of your surgical care from the beginning
(the pre-operative office visit), through the hospital stay, and through
the follow up/post-operative office visits. Your physician is the "Coach"
of your team.
Anesthesia
The physician anesthesiologist will provide the anesthesia for your surgery,
as well as closely monitoring your vital signs during the procedure. During
their visit with you in the pre-operative holding area before the surgery,
they will discuss the various anesthesia techniques used. Common techniques
include a very safe spinal anesthetic combined with IV sedation, or general
anesthesia, and nerve blocks to reduce post-op pain.
Nursing
Qualified registered nurses (RN's) are with you in the pre-op holding area
before surgery, a specially trained surgical RN in the operating room
with you during the surgery, and a specially trained recovery room RN
with you in the post-anesthesia care unit. A specially trained surgical
technician is present during surgery to handle and organize all of the
special instruments needed during your surgery. During your hospital stay,
qualified registered nurses (RN's), a lead nurse and a group of certified
nurse's aides (CNA's) will provide care for you. They have undergone additional
specialized training in the care of the joint replacement patients.
Physical Therapist
Your physical therapist will meet with you after surgery to begin efforts
to walk, mobilize, safely use a walker or crutches, perform motion exercises,
and simple strengthening exercises. Your therapist will focus on making
sure you are safely getting up out of bed, to the commode, negotiating
stairs, and getting stronger each day. You will learn and practice your
home exercises.
Occupational Therapist
Your occupational therapist will focus on regaining your independence in
common home activities, which we term "activities of daily living".
In addition, your therapist will evaluate your need for durable medical
equipment devices needed for your self-care at home.
Dietitian
A dietitian is available for any questions or concerns about your dietary needs.
Pharmacist
The pharmacy staff is monitoring your medications throughout the hospital
stay. They are available to the team for questions on prescribed medications,
dosages and schedules.
Case Manager
A case manager coordinates the many services you receive during your hospitalization,
from preadmission through discharge. The case manager coordinates home
equipment needs as determined by either the physical or occupational therapists.
After your surgery, your case manager will visit with you to help you
plan and coordinate your discharge needs, so that your transition to your
home environment is safe and without problems.
Outpatient Therapy & Visiting Nurse
After your return home, a home physical therapist and visiting nurse will
work with you to safely continue your recovery and rehabilitation. This
service will generally continue for two or three weeks after your return
home. Following this, you will transition to twice weekly outpatient physical
therapy, at the direction of your Physician.
Inpatient Rehabilitation or Transitional Care Unit
Your physician strongly believes the safest and most comfortable place
for your recovery is at home. In a small number of cases, your recovery
may be slowed by various causes, and you may not be safe to return home.
In this situation, you may qualify under insurance guidelines to be transferred
to the Rehabilitation Unit or Transitional Care Unit. Medicare and other
Insurance companies will allow this transfer only if their guidelines
are met and followed. They will unfortunately not allow a transfer simply
for convenience or for patient/family preferences to delay discharge to
your home until a later date.