| Preoperative Orthopaedic Joint Replacement Classes | It is the policy of the Good Samaritan Hospital to provide preoperative education classes to patients and families prior to their upcoming total knee or total hip replacement surgery. These classes are taught using a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach through instruction from both registered and practical nurses, social worker, physical and occupational therapist and physical therapist technician. Classes are conducted every Thursday from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. The knee and hip classes alternate weekly. Refreshments are served and the patients are provided with packets of information to follow along with the lecture and exercise portion of the class. Attendance is mandatory unless the patient resides in another state, is too debilitated to attend, or has previously had joint replacement surgery within the last year. Patients who are unable to attend receive information in the mail with a follow up phone call from the nurse case manager to discuss and answer questions and concerns regarding the surgical process and preparation for surgery. For further information or to schedule a class, please contact Georgette Csobaji at 410-532-3866. The general format of the class is as follows: Welcome Purpose of class Introduction of speakers and class format Case management role and length of stay issue Pre-surgical process Pre-admission testing Autologous blood donation Discussion of medications Private room request Day of surgery Nothing to eat or drink after midnight When and where to report What to bring Amount of time in OR and Recovery room Waiting areas for family Meeting with surgeon Pain Management Patient controlled analgesia Oral pain medication Prescriptions for discharge medications Surgical/recovery process Anatomy of the knee/hip Direct observation and handling of prosthesis Review of drains, blood reinfusions, surgical dressing, suture line, urinary catheter, and expected swelling. Review of TED stockings/SCD pumps, heel protectors, incentive spirometer/coughing and deep breathing exercises Discussion of abduction pillow, hip precautions and knee immobilizer. Anesthesia - General/Spinal Physical therapy - Out of bed/Ambulation/Exercises Occupational therapy - Dressing/Bathing/Bathroom transfers Social Issues Preparation for surgery and return home Resources available Home modifications Coping mechanisms/support systems Post-surgical/Discharge planning Length of stay Expected status upon discharge Duplex scan to R/O blood clots Home care needs home therapy vs. outpatient therapy dressing changes and care of incision staple removal medical equipment - walkers/crutches antibiotic prophylaxis/prosthetic implant card follow-up with surgeon after surgery Rehab - second floor admission criteria length of stay Transitional Care Unit - fourth floor admission criteria length of stay Sub-acute/Outside facilities insurance driven length of stay Physical/Occupational therapy lecture Introduction General overview Demonstration of assistive devices Lab Groups Bathroom training equipment transfers precautions/safety concerns Exercise groups (PT tech) demonstration of exercise with return demonstration precautions/safety concerns Gait training (PT) ambulation stair climbing weight-bearing status assistive devices precautions/safety concerns Time is allotted throughout class for questions and answers and participant feedback is encouraged. Class evaluations are completed by patients and follow-up is done as indicated. [TOP]