Advanced Joint Recertification

Patient outcomes lead to award-winning excellence

In February, the joint replacement team at MUSC Health achieved Gold Seal recertification from The Joint Com-mission (TJC) for Advanced Disease Specific Care Certification (DSC) for Total Hip and Knee Replacement (THKR). Following the THKR recertification, the Joint Commission also recertified MUSC Health for Shoulder Replacement surgeries.

The Advanced THKR is awarded only to hip and knee replacement programs demonstrating standards of excellence as verified by nationally established patient outcomes, a consistent patient-centered care approach and team collaboration throughout the continuum of care. The DSC recertification is a comprehensive review process targeting collaboration and communication spanning the pre-surgical orthopaedic consultation through the patient’s ad-mission, surgery, recovery, therapy sessions and post-discharge recovery.

During the two-day Joint Commission on-site review, the surveyor observed patient tracers with the Joint Replacement team in each clinical area. Patient and care team member interactions were observed in the Joint Replacement Pre-operative Clinic and the surveyor discussed aspects of care with key personnel in the West Ashley outpatient clinic. In the hospital, evaluations included the operating room and PACU (post-anesthesia care unit), as well as the Post-Operative Joint Replacement Unit. The survey-or spoke with care team members from all areas including surgeons, orthopaedic residents and APPs (advanced practice providers), anesthesiologists, the orthopaedic nurse navigator, nurses and therapists. The surveyor interviewed patients to determine their level of understanding regarding post-operative pain management and expectations on how best to contribute to their own recovery at home.

Outcome data reviews were a major component of the survey. MUSC Health’s results were evaluated for length of stay, pre-op preparation, infection rates, falls and rates of serious complications. The qualifications of MUSC Health care team members were also scrutinized for joint replacement-specific continuing education specialized training. Throughout all aspects of the Joint Commission evaluation, no findings requiring correction were conveyed and at the final summary, MUSC Health was noted to be a model of excellence for hip and knee replacement.