Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:01
Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Volume and length of stay in a total joint replacement program
Michele M Hughes1, D Gordon Newbern, C Lowry Barnes
1St. Vincent Joint Academy, St. Vincent Health System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances
|December 10, 2009
Summary
The Joint Academy program increased joint replacement surgery volume by 10.7% while slightly reducing average length of stay (LOS). Most patients were discharged on postoperative day 3, indicating program success.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The implementation of new clinical programs can affect surgical volumes and patient length of stay (LOS).
- Optimizing resource allocation and standardizing care pathways are key to improving hospital efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Joint Academy program on total joint replacement (TJR) procedural volume.
- To assess the effect of the Joint Academy on the average length of stay (ALOS) for TJR patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective record review of 413 primary and revision total joint replacements.
- Comparison of procedural volumes and LOS between January-March 2006 and 2007.
- Analysis of ALOS based on weekday of admission and procedure type (primary vs. revision).
Main Results:
- A 10.7% increase in TJR procedures was observed from 2006 to 2007.
- The weighted average LOS decreased from 3.44 days in 2006 to 3.36 days in 2007.
- Revision procedures increased volume but negatively impacted ALOS; no statistical variance in ALOS was found by weekday of admission.
Conclusions:
- The Joint Academy program positively influenced both surgical volume and length of stay.
- Standardized order sets and effective resource allocation facilitated successful patient discharge by postoperative day 3.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Restorative Care
Restorative care is provided once a patient has been discharged from a healthcare facility and requires additional services. The additional services include home care, rehabilitation programs, and extended care. Restorative care centers help the patient regain their previous level of functioning or acquire a new level of functioning due to the incapacitating effects of a disease or a disability. It aims to assist patients in enhancing their quality of life by encouraging independence,...
01:31Discharge Summary Forms
The discharge summary is crucial as it enables a smooth transition from a healthcare facility to a patient's home or another care setting. This critical document facilitates seamless continuity of care, ensuring patients receive the necessary support and attention.
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...