Date of Publication
2024
Project Team
Dr. Jennifer Laurent and Dr. Michael Blankstein
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a primary risk factor for osteoarthritis of the hips and knees, which over time may require total joint arthroplasty. There is an increasing use joint optimization programs to assist individuals with obesity to better qualify for surgery and limit potential post operative complications.
Purpose: Evaluation of a Joint Health Coaching Program (JHCP) to understand programmatic policies and procedures and identify barriers and facilitators to patient satisfaction of obese individuals
Methods: The project manager worked with stakeholder to identify practice procedures. Patients were identified through the Joint Health Coach. A survey, including qualitative and quantitative data identified barriers, facilitators, and overall patient satisfaction was sent to 102 participants with obesity through the electronic health record (EHR) and by telephone. One cycle of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was utilized and data analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results: Twenty-six participants responded to the survey, yielding a response rate of 25.5%. Participants in the JHCP report high satisfaction with the JHCP. All participants have completed the JHCP. There was successful weight loss amongst 71% of participants (n=17). 52% (n=13) received TJA. Areas of improvement included more formalized structure and nutrition counseling. Barriers included a low response rate, predominance of female respondents, and limited referral source to the JHCP.
Conclusion: The JHCP appears to be successful in meeting goals of weight reduction pre-operatively, with high levels of patient satisfaction. Results suggest that more can be done to attain weight loss goals pre-operatively.
Keywords: Patient Satisfaction, Obesity, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Weight Loss, Orthopedics, Health Promotion, Body Mass Index, Program Evaluation
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Recommended Citation
Shepard, Alexandria, "Optimizing Patient Outcomes in Individuals with Obesity Undergoing Joint Replacement" (2024). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 145.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/145