Key result
Orthopaedic nurse navigators coordinate preoperative joint arthroplasty optimization, though implementation remains highly unstandardized.
Why the study?
Preoperative optimization programs for total joint arthroplasty identify and address risk factors to reduce postoperative complications, but the role of orthopaedic nurse navigators needed description to establish their importance.
Do orthopaedic nurse navigators improve outcomes in preoperative optimization for total joint arthroplasty?
Do orthopaedic nurse navigators improve outcomes in preoperative optimization for total joint arthroplasty?
Orthopaedic nurse navigators play an integral role in preoperative optimization programs for total joint arthroplasty, which may lead to improved patient outcomes.
Supports multidisciplinary integration of nurse navigators in TJA pathways; extends descriptive evidence but leaves standardization and outcome benefits open for prospective trials.
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.
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Kebeh et al. (2023) conducted a review in Total joint arthroplasty (n=25). Orthopaedic nurse navigator-led preoperative optimization was evaluated. Orthopaedic nurse navigators play an integral, yet highly variable and unstandardized, role in preoperative optimization for total joint arthroplasty by coordinating multidisciplinary care and providing clinical, educational, and social support.
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