Some Joint Replacement Patients May Go Home the Same Day as Surgery.

Abstract

Joint replacement patients who meet criteria can be discharged the same day after surgery through a program at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. Criteria include health patients with no cardiac issues who do not take anticoagulation medication or have obstructive sleep apnea, and have a body mass index less than 40. Patients and their caregivers attend a mandatory educational session that includes information on what to expect the day of surgery and after discharge, how to use assistive equipment, and what symptoms to watch for at home. During the educational session, patients receive their post-surgical prescriptions with instructions to fill them before surgery, and choose a home health provider for physical therapy in the home for two weeks.