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A Complete Team and a Comprehensive Program |
The healing team
In conventional joint replacement treatment, each specialist does one specific job, then passes the patient along to the next caregiver in the process. At the Methodist Joint Replacement Center, caregivers work together as an integrated team to coordinate every part of the patient's care and assure the best possible outcome. The team includes:
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Anesthesiologist
- Specialized nurses
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Pharmacist
- Dietician
- Joint Care Coordinator
The healing team also includes other joint replacement patients, who cooperate in a group recovery program. A friend or family member can be a coach and helper throughout the process.
A complete, integrated program from first consultation to complete recovery.
Every step of the program, from the initial patient education to follow-up after discharge, is closely coordinated. The main facets of the program include:
- Preregistration
- Meeting with Joint Care Coordinator for a preoperative class explaining the entire program.
- Medical clearance and laboratory tests
- Instructions for preoperative exercises to strengthen joints
- Instructions for preparing the home for the patient's return from the hospital
- Instructions for preoperative medication changes, if needed
- Instructions for preoperative preparations including washing and eating/drinking
- Information about what to bring to the hospital
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Discharge planning
- Instructions for postoperative care at home
- Postoperative exercise recommendations
- Postoperative activity guidelines and schedules
- Follow-up
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