| Learning Objective #1: Explore an interdisciplinary approach to patient and family education related to total joint replacement surgery through a step-by-step presentation of a preoperative education class | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Analyze a collaborative initiative implemented by an interdisciplinary team comprised of nurses, physical therapists, education specialists, and care managers designed to develop outcome measurement tools to evaluate the effectiveness of a preoperative patient education class |
Introduction
A challenge for orthopaedic nursing staff is to assure all patients undergoing total joint replacement (TJR) have an accurate understanding of what will occur prior to surgery, immediately postoperatively and during the rehabilitation phase. Orthopaedic patients verbalized a need for a formal education class prior to hospitalization in order to prepare them for their TJR surgery.
Methods
In July 2001, a multidisciplinary team consisting of staff nurses, education specialists, physical therapists, case managers and patient representative began to plan such an educational offering. A formal needs assessment and an extensive literature review provided direction to the team regarding program content. Members of the interdisciplinary team teach a two-hour class, offered twice a month. Post-session evaluation demonstrated that the majority of participants perceived their education needs as "totally met" regarding TJR education.
Evaluation
One year post-class implementation,the team reorganized to evaluate the effects of preoperative education on postoperative patient outcomes. Discipline specific evidence for measuring patient outcomes was then reviewed. There is a paucity of literature on the effects of preoperative TJR education on postoperative TJR outcomes. Thus, the team, in conjunction with the hospital nurse researcher, developed methods to further measure the effects of the program.
Conclusion
Globally healthcare providers are continually challenged to meet the needs of patient and family using current innovative means. This presentation exemplifies one interdisciplinary team's efforts to collectively address the needs of their patients. In doing so, the presentation explores the effects of integrating a collaborative partnership and evidence to optimize patient outcomes in the TJR patient population.
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