Hudson Valley Hospital Center works to educate orthopedic patients before hip, knee surgery

May 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Patients facing joint replacement at Hudson Valley Hospital Center may find the prospect a little less intimidating thanks to a new hospital program that prepares them for surgery and recovery.
“Hip or knee replacement surgery can be a life changing experience,’’ said Clinical Nurse Manager Liza Jones-Kanu, MSN, coordinator of the orthopedic education program. “This program takes patients and their families through the process step by step. We want patients to be a part of the process, to be comfortable with the surgery and to heal and return to normal as quickly as possible.’’
The first group of patients attended the program in April. So far, 6 patients have been through the program, and  another 5 have signed up. More will be scheduled on a regular basis. The 90-minute program acquaints patients with the surgery, the types of prosthesis they may be receiving, how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect afterwards. They also meet with staff from various hospital departments who will be involved in their care and can answer questions on nutrition, physical activity, how to handle insurance claims, as well as, what to expect when they return home.
More than 435,000 Americans undergo hip or knee replacement surgery each year.
Dr. Scott Russinoff, a board certified orthopedic surgeon with Community Orthopedics who practices at Hudson Valley Hospital Center, said the program not only benefits patients, but helps reduce healthcare costs – a major goal for practitioners and hospitals as part of healthcare reform.
“Education programs such as these help to expedite the process,’’ said Dr. Russinoff, who specializes in hip and knee replacement, hip resurfacing, and partial knee replacement.  “It allows the patients the opportunity to go over things such as discharge planning and insurance and helps prepare them for surgery and recovery. This let’s them get out the hospital quicker- because no one wants to be in the hospital any longer than they have to.’’
Russinoff said that with medical advances and patient education, he has seen hospitals stays reduced significantly. “Five years ago the average stay was five days, now its three days or less,” he said.
In addition to Jones-Kanu, the program’s staff includes: Suzanne Mateo, MA, Director of Nursing; Betty Landis, Director of Rehabilitation Services; Melanie Ello, Physical Therapist; Kevin Roth RN, ONC;  Francine Revella RN, ONC; Debra Shaugnessy, Director of Case Management; Joanne Campbell, Director of the Wellness Center; Rachel Harris, Clinical Nutrition Manager; Olivia Townsend, Amy Czyz and
Kristen Bohler, Unit Secretaries; and Diane Rose and Kathyryn Lombardo, OR Schedulers for Community Orthopedics.                        
                  .

# # #

Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt Manor. NY provides quality, comprehensive medical care and state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment, education and preventive services. Call 914-737-9000 or visit www.hvhc.org We practice Patientology!