became the first surgery center to be certified. In so doing, they, too,
had learned to expand their focus and immerse themselves in the
entire episode of care. For example, the Joint Commission advised
them to improve their collaboration with doctors' offices and every-
one else involved in the process.
"We really learned how to take care of patients and their families
from beginning to end," says patient educator Rosemary Kramer, RN,
BSN.
7 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 7
• The Joint Commission launched its Advanced Certification for
Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement program in early 2016 for
accredited hospitals, critical access hospitals and ambulatory
surgery centers.
• The Joint Commission offers both "core certification" and
"advanced certification" hip and joint replacement programs for
hospitals and surgical centers. To be eligible for advanced certifi-
cation, facilities must do both total hips and total knees.
• The core certification program requires a 1-day review and no
intraoperative observation.
• The advanced program requires a 2-day onsite review that
includes observation of a total joint surgery. It covers the entire
continuum of care — from the pre-surgical consultation to the
follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. The emphasis is on
shared decision-making with the patient regarding implants,
goal development, pain management, and pre-op and post-op
medications.
• There's an annual subscription fee. — Jim Burger
AT A GLANCE
5 Fast Facts: Total Joint Certification
