Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital recently received the Center of Excellence designation for its total hip and knee joint replacement program.  Phoebe was awarded the Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by DNV GL Healthcare Inc., after a yearlong process that included observations, interviews and document reviews.
 
“Receiving this certification affirms our commitment to providing patients with high quality orthopedic and surgical care,” said Maureen Jackson, vice president of surgical services at Phoebe.  “Our multidisciplinary team approach is patient focused and incorporates a standardized evidence-based practice to continually evaluate and improve the quality of care delivered to each patient.”
 
As a part of the full service of care, Phoebe offers a comprehensive joint replacement program, including a dedicated orthopaedic nurse navigator who ensures that patients and their families are prepared before surgery and throughout recovery.  The nurse navigator oversees the Total Joint Camp, which provides patients with education, assistance and support needed to get back to their lives as quickly as possible. Before surgery, patients attend Total Joint Camp to understand what to expect, review their plan of care and pain management options.
 
Since early 2014, Phoebe has maintained a zero infection rate in knee replacement surgeries and is working diligently to have the same long-term rate for other procedures.  Surgical site infection rates for various surgical procedures, including total hip and knee replacements, are now available on Phoebe’s website (phoebehealth.com/quality) and will be updated quarterly.
 
The process for Hip and Knee Replacement Certification includes evaluation of standards of care relating directly to the patients (pre and post-op), infection prevention and control, and leadership management - spanning from senior management to medical staff.  The certification also integrates requirements related to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Conditions of Participation for hospitals.