For a second time in two months, Phoebe has been recognized for its orthopedic surgery excellence. Vizient MidSouth recently awarded Phoebe the Total Joint and Spine Collaborative Top Performer Award for its efforts in enhancing the hospital’s total joint and spine program.
 
“Our physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians and support staff continuously work hard to provide compassionate care with a focus on quality and patient safety,” said Robert Pilcher, MD, PH.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Phoebe Orthopaedic Specialty Group. “As a result of our efforts, we have seen reductions in length of stay and are now able to offer outpatient hip and knee replacement.”
 
Phoebe was recognized as a TJ&S top-performer after participating in a year-long process that included member organizations exchanging knowledge and ideas through group meetings, webinars, conference calls and forums. During the process, Phoebe was able to demonstrate performance improvement in its TJ&S program, which positively impacted hospital readmissions, average length of stay, surgical site infection rates and surgery costs.
 
Kimberly Horne, MSN/MBA, RN, LSSGB, director of Acute Care Services, says it was through participation in this collaborative that the joint program at Phoebe reached new heights. “Our orthopedic team embarked on a journey of networking, process mapping, and creating new pathways which have resulted in improvements in patient experience. I am proud of this team for their commitment to the project and our success,” continued Horne.