We're here to support you every step of the way
If you need joint replacement, it’s important to look for a facility that follows best practices and offers specialized education and support before and after surgery. The Joint Academy at Aiken Regional Medical Centers has a dedicated team of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, physical therapists and nurses who work together to care for patients throughout every stage of the process. Total knee and total hip replacements are provided utilizing proven protocols that have been shown to support the best possible outcomes.
Patients are guided by Louise Key, RN, BSN, who was named orthopedic coordinator last year. “My role is to guide and coordinate patients through the entire continuum of pre-operative, surgical and post-operative care,” she says. Setting clear expectations and teaching patients how to prepare before surgery are key to a successful recovery, she explains. All patients participate in a pre-operative education class, which offers an opportunity to meet members of the rehab care team and learn what is expected during their hospital visit and discharge.
The Joint Replacement Unit is part of the post-surgical floor at Aiken Regional. Nursing staff on this unit receive specialized training in the care of patients who are recovering from joint replacement surgery. During their hospital stay, patients participate in both individual and group physical therapy to help support a safe return to independence. “Getting up to walk and participate in physical therapy after joint replacement surgery is one of the most important things our patients can do to influence recovery and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications,” says Nursing Director Erin Stillinger, RN, BSN.
Discharge planning begins before surgery and continues throughout a patient’s hospital stay. Kim Bryan, MSW, the social worker/discharge planner, works to ensure each patient has the necessary equipment upon discharge and will individualize patients’ continued therapy needs. The team focus on best practices, physician involvement, and post-discharge follow-up, sets the program apart, says Stillinger. “We use our outcomes to continuously make the program better.”
Board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Aiken Regional
- Ty W. Carter, MD
- Evan F. Ekman, MD
- Douglas E. Holford, MD
- R. Vaughan Massie, MD
- Clark D. Moore, MD
- E. Louis Peak, MD
- Timothy J. Shannon, MD