TOTAL CARE FOR JOINTS
The total joint program was developed by Kootenai Health staff and is designed to ensure the delivery of high-
quality patient care for individuals having a total joint replacement. The program allows the team to collectively help
patients achieve their goals for successful total joint replacement surgery.
Some basic principles behind the total joint program:
1. Patients are active participants in their own care and medical decisions.
2. Kootenai includes a patient’s family and support network throughout the total joint process by helping them to be
prepared to assist in the patient’s recovery following surgery.
3. A comprehensive pain management program is implemented from the very beginning.
4. Patients feel supported throughout the process by all members of Kootenai’s staff and providers.
5. Every part of Kootenai’s system works together to provide coordinated care and help achieve the best possible
outcome.
6. The process of preparing for surgery and time spent at the hospital are both designed to give patients the tools
and information they need to be successful once discharged.
7. The program and its treatments were created using evidence-based medicine (care that has been proven to be
effective through research) and best-practice guidelines.
8. The total joint team believes patients recovering from total joint replacement surgery recover with greater success
in their own home environment, so patients go home as soon as they are ready.
9. Once discharged, patients should be satisfied with the care received during their hospital stay and feel prepared
and confident in their ability to manage recovery at home.
“It was like we were receiving special
treatment—but that’s just how they
treat everyone.”
—Tom Cook
used in the hospital and for home care, as well as
rehabilitation exercises.
“I had a good idea of what to expect from my first
surgery,” Tom said. “But it was still great to meet and
get everything all set up before surgery. The class was
helpful, and I bet it was even more helpful for those
going through this for the first time.”
The most painful part of the process?
“Walking up to the OR before my surgery,” Tom said.
“From there on I’ve been pretty much pain-free. So
different from my first experience—like night and day.”
The difference Tom experienced is in the medication
procedures. Instead of treating pain as it occurs, physi-
cians and nurses are actively treating expected pain
before the patient even experiences it.
As a lover of the outdoors, a hunter and a fisher-
man, Tom was eager to get up and moving again after
surgery. Little did he know he’d be out of bed the same
day.
“I couldn’t believe they had me up and out of bed
the same day as my surgery,” he said. “I was in the
hospital for three days last time and only one day this
go-around. I’ve been up and doing most of my daily
routine without any trouble. I’m anxious to get outside
this summer.”
Tom’s wife, Linda, was so impressed with the level
of care given she even wrote a letter to the hospital
praising those who cared for her husband, especially
orthopedic surgeon Doug McInnis, M.D.
“Dr. Doug McInnis proved superlative in every
conceivable aspect,” she stated in her letter. “The
apparent plan to exceed expectations, even high ones,
was echoed in the treatment we received from the
medical staff in the pre-op, volunteers in the waiting
room, nursing staff and nursing assistants.”
She later explained that she had heard nothing
but wonderful things about Dr. McInnis and the total
joint team from friends who had gone through similar
experiences.
“We have been just so pleased with every aspect
of Tom’s care,” she said. “It was like we were receiv-
ing special treatment—but that’s just how they treat
everyone.”
M O V E S M O O T H
For more information about the total joint
program at Kootenai, visit
KH.org/totaljoint
or
call
(208) 625-5448
.
KH . ORG
15
JOINT REPLACEMENT
