To alleviate patients' concerns prior to surgery, Olympia (Wash.) Orthopedic Associates established a nurse navigator program at Olympia Surgery Center, according to Grays Harbor Talk.
Here are six key points:
1. The program begins at the ASC where patients attend an outpatient total joint education class.
2. During the free class, patients undergoing joint or spine surgery can learn about their procedures' ins and outs as well as what they can expect following the procedure.
3. The patient's nurse navigator will contact the patient after the class and will talk about equipment patients may need once the ASC discharges them. Nurse navigators can answer patients' questions and provide resources.
4. The nurse navigator will also call a patient the day after their procedure to ensure the transfer to home went smoothly.
5. OOA sends digital surveys to patients after surgery directly following the procedure, at six months, one year and two years.
6. Nurse navigators have worked with more than 400 Olympia Surgery Center total joint patients. Three nurses average about 40 patients each month at the ASC.
