Supporting Same Day Joint Replacements
May 25, 2021
May is Physiotherapy Month!
Physiotherapists at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) have important roles across the alliance, on all units and within outpatient programs like hand therapy, outpatient physiotherapy and community stroke rehabilitation. This year’s National Physiotherapy campaign highlights the many ways the profession can enable and support healthy aging, including managing Joint Replacements.
Physiotherapists play an important role in supporting patients who are waiting for, undergoing and recovering from a number of orthopedic surgeries. In February of this year, Physiotherapy began a collaboration with the surgical team to support same day discharges after hip and knee replacement. Working diligently, Trish Gautreau and Jana Van Rooyen contributed many hours preparing education and resources to this new service which gives patients who meet specific criteria the option to return home the same day. These patients undergo a rigorous assessment with our physiotherapy team before and after surgery.
Every elective hip and knee patient has the benefit of accessing the newly created Hip and Knee Replacement - Patient, Family & Caregiver Guides and eLearning modules available on our website. However, patients who qualify for same day, also receive a comprehensive review of their mobility and education around gait aids prior to surgery. On the day of surgery, the physiotherapist and an assistant (PTA) meet with each patient in the PACU to assess their mobility and ability to manage stairs. Physiotherapy uses these assessments to confirm the patient’s appropriateness for discharge home. In both pre-op and post-op assessments, family/caregivers are present.
The physiotherapists have found a very high satisfaction rate from patients with this new process. The patients appreciate the extra time with the physiotherapist before their surgery and are all thankful to return to their homes to recover.
This is just one example of how Physiotherapists at the HPHA are working to improve patient lives, and improve care.
Thanks to all of the Physiotherapists across the HPHA for your dedication and superior care.
L to R: Jan and Trish, Physiotherapists