Orthopaedic Nurse Navigators and Total Joint Arthroplasty Preoperative Optimization: Improving Patient Access to Musculoskeletal Care

Martha Kebeh; Chloe C Dlott; Wei Shao Tung; Donna Kurek; Charla B Johnson; Daniel H Wiznia

doi:10.1097/NOR.0000000000000968

Orthopaedic Nurse Navigators and Total Joint Arthroplasty Preoperative Optimization: Improving Patient Access to Musculoskeletal Care

Orthop Nurs. 2023 Sep-Oct;42(5):279-288. doi: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000968.

Authors

Martha Kebeh^{1

2

3

4

5

6}, Chloe C Dlott^{1

2

3

4

5

6}, Wei Shao Tung^{1

2

3

4

5

6}, Donna Kurek^{1

2

3

4

5

6}, Charla B Johnson^{1

2

3

4

5

6}, Daniel H Wiznia^{1

2

3

4

5

6}

Affiliations

¹ Martha Kebeh, BA, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
² Chloe C. Dlott, BS, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
³ Wei Shao Tung, BS, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
⁴ Donna Kurek, MSN, RN, MHA, ONC, CMSRN, National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses and Movement is Life, Chicago, IL; Ortho Virginia, Chesterfield, VA.
⁵ Charla B. Johnson, DNP, RN-BC, ONC, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Baton Rouge, LA.
⁶ Daniel H. Wiznia, MD, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Abstract

Preoperative optimization programs for total joint arthroplasty identify and address risk factors to reduce postoperative complications, thereby improving patients' ability to be safe surgical candidates. This article introduces preoperative optimization programs and describes the role of orthopaedic nurse navigators. This foundation will be used to produce an article series with recommendations for optimization of several modifiable biopsychosocial factors. We consulted orthopaedic nurse navigators across the United States and conducted a literature review regarding preoperative optimization to establish the importance of nurse navigation in preoperative optimization. The responsibilities of nurse navigators, cited resources, and structure of preoperative optimization programs varied among institutions. Optimization programs relying on nurse navigators frequently demonstrated improved outcomes. Our discussions and literature review demonstrated the integral role of nurse navigators in preoperative optimization. We will discuss specific risk factors and how nurse navigators can manage them throughout this article series.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Arthroplasty
Humans
Orthopedics*
Patient Navigation*
United States

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding