The IJRR Patient Experience
The Institute for Joint Restoration and Research (IJRR) at Washington Hospital
brings seamless continuity to joint care patients. From the first office
visit through surgery and rehabilitation to your post-surgery semiannual
check-ups — all your care is under the same roof.
Your joint restoration surgery will take place in Washington Hospital's
operating suite. During your inpatient recovery, you will be cared for
in the IJRR, housed in Washington Hospital's
Center for Joint Replacement building, which is adjacent to and connected with the main Hospital.
When it's time for outpatient care, you'll be seen at The Washington
Joint Restoration Clinic, which is also housed in the
Center for Joint Replacement building. The Washington Joint Restoration Clinic is staffed by Hospital employees,
while the professional services are provided by the teams of Drs. Dearborn
and Sah. The clinic allows the hospital to have a controlled outpatient
environment that supports the Institute’s research goals. (Please see the
IJRR FAQs for more information about the Clinic and how services are billed).
Hip, Hip, Hooray!
Brothers Mike (left) and Glen (right) Lenhart both had minimally invasive
hip replacement surgery on the same day by orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Alexander
Sah (center).
Patient Now Dances the Night Away
Marilynn Nelson can once again dance the tango thanks to double hip replacement
surgery. "Within seven days, I was out and about running errands
and after six weeks, I was back to taking tango lessons and dancing at
an advanced level. "It's wonderful to get back to my life!"
To read more patient stories, visit
www.dearbornassoc.com/ OR
www.sahortho.com
Keeping Our Patients Informed
Studies show that patients recover better and have increased confidence
when they are provided with a comprehensive picture of their treatment
and recovery. Consequently, the entire IJRR staff is devoted to teaching
patients about what to expect in surgery, during their post-operative
hospital stay, and when they return home.
Prior to surgery, you will attend an intensive educational session featuring
the nurses and therapists who will be providing the care during your stay.
You will receive a binder full of information, including details about
your surgery and recovery, and explanations of important rehabilitation
exercises. Family members are encouraged to participate by acting as a
coach during your recovery.
Features of the patient experience at the Institute for Joint Restoration
and Research include:
- Nurses and Therapists who specialize in the care of joint replacement patients
-
Private rooms and bathrooms with showers
- Emphasis on group activities as well as individualized care
- A unique menu selection for IJRR patients
- Instruction by our physical therapists on exercises, transfer techniques,
proper ambulation skills, and self-care, to facilitate safe and independent mobility
- Education for your family and friends, who act as “coaches”
- A Case Manager who coordinates all patient-centered discharge planning
- A comprehensive patient guide for you to follow from four weeks pre-op
until three months post-op, and beyond