A patient's full participation in the recovery process is a cornerstone in expediting recovery and shortening hospital stays. Patients who are willing to educate themselves about their condition and treatments are taking a giant step toward a more-rapid and complete recovery. In addition to your attending our preoperative classes, we highly recommend that you involve a family member or significant other before, during and after surgery. This includes accompanying you to the doctor's office, classes and physical therapy. You will find that having both the emotional support of a loved one, combined with a thorough understanding of the physical side of the procedure, will help you return to a full and active life.

Getting you ready for surgery starts with an educational program about the surgery itself and the rehabilitation program after surgery. You will learn what you should and should not do, what to expect, what is expected of you, and who to contact if you have any questions or problems at any time during your treatment. Loved ones are encouraged to become involved as much as possible with your care.

A nurse will be working with the surgeon, operating room services, anesthesiology, and case managers to ensure that everything flows smoothly throughout your stay. A dedicated unit of specialists uses clinical care pathways (like care maps) to guide the course of your care. You'll find out more about clinical pathways in your pre-op class.

Thanks to this pre-op preparation, you'll know more about your hospital stay and how to prepare your home environment after your discharge. So hopefully there should be less anxiety as you progress through your "pathway."

Patients about to undergo surgery during the same week attend the same class. Meeting other patients facing the same circumstances fosters camaraderie and creates an extended support system.

Conducted by a nurse educator, physical therapist, social worker and home care specialist, the two-hour class is designed to familiarize patients with the procedures and treatments they will experience while hospitalized. (We encourage you to bring with you to class the person most likely to help you after you're discharged from the hospital.)

Each class begins with an orthopedic nurse discussing typical pre- and postoperative activities - including nursing care, equipment, pain management and your role in the recovery process. A physical therapist then provides an overview of the rehabilitation process, which includes exercise programs, walking instructions, the use of equipment aids, positioning, and movement. A social services specialist ends the session by describing discharge plans and care needs following surgery.

• Expected progression in mobility and gait
• Potential for using gym equipment, such as mats, parallel bars and/or stairs
• Occupational therapy to assist with self-care and adaptive equipment, if needed
• The likelihood of continued therapy and treatment after discharge

Classes are held every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in the North Acute Rehabilitation Gym located in the North Tower Room 7215. Pre-admit forms are available from the Medical Center, your physician, or a joint replacement nurse coordinator.

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