AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Comprehensive Orthopedic Surgical Program to Improve Patient Experience Increases Satisfaction, Reduces Length of Stay, and Allows More Patients to Be Discharged Directly Home

Comprehensive Orthopedic Surgical Program to Improve Patient Experience Increases Satisfaction, Reduces Length of Stay, and Allows More Patients to Be Discharged Directly Home

Snapshot
Summary
Under the direction of an experienced nurse program coordinator, Hallmark Health System created a comprehensive initiative, known as the Bone & Joint Program, to provide clinical support and education to elective orthopedic surgical patients. The program includes monthly sessions in which a group of multidisciplinary providers educate patients and family members on the surgery and recovery process; preoperative screening and counseling sessions; clinical pathways and standardized electronic order sets; a dedicated orthopedic unit with specially trained staff; and proactive, coordinated planning for discharge and follow up care. The program increased patient satisfaction and inpatient/outpatient volumes, reduced length of stay, achieved low surgical infection rates, and increased the percentage of patients who could be sent directly home after discharge (rather than to a rehabilitation facility).

Evidence Rating
Moderate: The evidence consists of pre- and post-implementation comparisons of patient satisfaction, length of stay, inpatient and outpatient volumes, and the percentage of patients discharged directly home, along with post-implementation anecdotal reports from staff.

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AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Comprehensive Orthopedic Surgical Program to Improve Patient Experience Increases Satisfaction, Reduces Length of Stay, and Allows More Patients to Be Discharged Directly Home