After Surgery

Post-Surgery, Same Day Discharge Goals

Following surgery, you will recover in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
PACU nurses will be monitoring your progress and pain to ensure you are recovering well and are ready for discharge.
Once your sensation has returned to your operated limb, you will be changed into your Physical Therapy (PT) uniform and be evaluated and treated by PT.
Physical Therapy treatments will include ambulation with a front-wheeled walker and stair training as appropriate.
Durable medical equipment and Home Health PT or Outpatient PT will be ordered based on patient’s needs prior to discharge.
At the time of discharge, the nursing staff will review the discharge medications and plan of care provided by your surgeon.
Patients are discharged home with their coach to continue recovering at home.

Post-Surgery, In-Hospital Goals

Following surgery, you will recover in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
PACU nurses will be monitoring your progress and pain to ensure you are recovering well
After PACU, you will be transferred from the gurney to a hospital bed. Patients ambulate from the gurney to the hospital bed as part of the plan of care
PT uniforms are worn to encourage mobilization and a feeling of wellness after surgery
Physical Therapy (PT) Evaluation and Treatment on the Day of Surgery occurs in the afternoon or evening after surgery, once the patient is on the floor. Our goal is for patients to walk on the day of surgery
PT twice a day until discharged home
Occupational Therapy (OT) once a day until discharged home for Hip Replacements and until tasks are mastered for Knee Replacements. OT addresses Activities of Daily Living such as using the restroom, getting dressed, etc.
Case Management begins on post-operative day #1 to ensure a timely discharge
Durable Medical Equipment and Home Health PT or RN services or Outpatient PT will be ordered based on patient’s needs prior to discharge
Patients are discharged home with their coach after one night in the hospital

BASICSS after Joint Replacement: HIP or KNEE

The BASICSS is the pneumonic we use to help educate patients on the important factors in self-care after surgery:

Blood clot prevention
MedicAtions
Signs/Symptoms to report
Incision Care
PreCautions/Safety
ExerciseS/ Equipment
Follow up with Surgeon

Post-Discharge Follow-Up Phone Call

Patient who are discharged home from the hospital receive a follow up phone call from the Joint Replacement Program checking on:

Patients progress now that they are home
Verify patients received their Durable Medical Equipment and / or Home Health Services
Educate as needed

Our Joint Replacement Program includes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach to standardize care and to provide optimal outcomes for our patients. We believe in providing “Expert Care with a Personal Touch.”

Please contact the Joint Replacement Program for any questions on the care post discharge:
909-630-7815 or 909-630-7403