Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
Partnership Across Transitions to Improve Outcomes in the Lower Extremity Total Joint Population
1Amy Ketchum, DNP, RN, OCNS-C, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, Franklin, WI.
Background:
With the urgency related to improving quality and creating efficiency in healthcare, partnership is emerging as a critical concept related to transitions of care.
Purpose:
This quality improvement project included facilitation of hospital partnership with skilled nursing facilities to improve outcomes associated with the lower extremity total joint arthroplasty population.
Methods:
The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) utilized a standardized framework to implement partnership strategies with multidisciplinary teams. Outcomes were monitored for the 2 quarters of partnership activities.
Results:
All recommendations for developing a partnership model were facilitated within the project timeline. Patient experience and quality measures remained at, or improved, from baseline and met all strategic targets. Efficiency through episode payment demonstrated improvement at each interval during the study period. Analysis revealed a significant (p < .05) reduction in the mean hospital length of stay.
Conclusion:
The CNS practice outcomes suggest that the use of structured partnership strategies between agencies improves efficiency of care and accelerates rapid spread of innovation.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Ankle Joint
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management

