“Joint Camp” Participants Recover Faster!?

They may be onto something in Southeast Iowa. Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) has just launched a new program—ORHC Joint Camp—a program exclusively designed for patients who are preparing for, undergoing and recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery.

Patients and family members undergo education regarding how to prepare for joint replacement surgery, as well as the best ways to make a full recovery. The program encourages family members to coach the patient and help them in the transition to home. As indicated in the news release, “Patients and their coaches will attend a pre-surgery class so everyone knows what to expect throughout the process of surgery and after surgery. This education gives the patient the opportunity to have an active role in their surgery recovery and rehabilitation.”

“Patients who transition through Joint Camp have less anxiety about their surgery, ” notes Dr. Brad Scott, an orthopedic surgeon with ORHC. “They use less pain medication and go home sooner. Their rehab goes more smoothly and they have fewer infections and other complications.”

Dr. Donald Berg, also an orthopedic surgeon with ORHC, agrees, “Patients who participate in Joint Camps are prepared in advance and enjoy overall faster, more successful recoveries following joint replacement surgery.”

Lori Bailey, RN, MSN, chief nursing officer at Ottumwa Regional Health Center told OTW, “One of our orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Brad Scott, recommended the program because of the benefits to patients related to early mobility, improved pain control, and shorter length for the hospital stay. While it is not a new concept, it is a program not well known in our immediate area. The training is provided by a physical therapist and a registered nurse. Someone in each discipline covers the pre- and post-operative education that comes with their expertise.”