“For joint replacement and spine surgery patients, the surgical procedure is just the beginning of their treatment. In this new unit, we bring together the personnel, services and facilities to carry out a customized plan of care that will help each patient return to their daily activities,” says Frank Giammattei, M.D., chief of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

The comprehensive Joint/Spine Unit care team includes surgeons, primary care physicians, physiatrists, anesthesiologists, specially trained nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, case managers, social workers and dietitians. Representatives from each of these areas provided input in the planning of the Joint/Spine Unit, and they will have a regular presence on the unit. Donna Walz, R.N., B.S.N., M.S., who is also nurse manager for the 2 East Rehabilitation Unit, serves as nurse manager of the new unit.

“Our aim is to create continuity of care,” says Jane Dorval, M.D., chief of the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Crozer. “Patients benefit by having the same bed and the same nurses, therapists, physicians and others throughout their stay.”

On the unit, nurses assist patients with relearning bathing, dressing, eating and toileting. Physical therapists help patients learn exercises to improve strength, range of motion and mobility. Occupational therapists evaluate patients’ ability to perform self-care activities and other activities of daily living. If needed, therapists also instruct patients in the use of adaptive equipment to help them become more independent in these activities.

Patients also receive visits from their surgeon, who monitors their progress and answers questions they may have. Physiatrists — physicians specializing in rehabilitation — work with patients to ensure efficient and effective use of their time in the hospital resulting in maximum functional independence by discharge.

“When patients are undergoing a major procedure like joint replacement or spine surgery, they have a great deal of apprehension. This new unit, which features a team dedicated to providing specialized care to these patients, will take away some of that uncertainty,” says Leonard Hirsh, M.D., chief of the Division of Neurosurgery at Crozer.

Patients recover in an atmosphere where they are encouraged to care for themselves as much as possible. Patients may also benefit by being on the same unit as others who are going through the exact same experiences.

The unit is conveniently located next to Crozer’s rehabilitation gym to facilitate the patients’ use of those facilities. Physical features of the unit include specialized furniture and equipment designed to meet the needs of joint replacement and spine surgery patients. For example, hip replacement patients have access to a special chair that makes sure that they are sitting in the best possible position to facilitate their recovery.

The unit is another product of the Crozer-Keystone Human Motion Institute, an initiative that encompasses the health system’s joint care, orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, hand and spine care services.

For more information about the Human Motion Institute Joint/Spine Unit at Crozer, call 1-800-CK-HEALTH (1-800-254-3258).