ARTIKLID MAGISTRITÖÖDEST
ENDOPROTEESIMISELE TULEVA PATSIENDI TEEKOND JA PAKUTAVA TEENUSE OPTIMEERIMINE SA TARTU ÜLIKOOLI KLIINIKUMI NÄITEL Endoprothesis Patient’s Journey and Optimisation of Offered Services by Example of Tartu University Hospital Autorid: Kristi Vent1, Maigi Liivand1 Juhendaja: Siret Läänelaid 1
SA Tartu Ülikooli Kliinikumi traumatoloogia ja ortopeedia kliinik
Abstract The waiting list for joint endoprosthesis at Tartu University Hospital (SA TÜK) is currently 2-3 years, partly due to the ineffective use of resources in the orthopaedic department. The reason behind the ineffective use of resources is frequently cancelled operations due to the insufficient physical preparation of the patient. Insufficient pre-op preparation increases the risk of infection, which can decrease the longevity of the endoprosthesis and the patient’s healthy years of life. At the same time, the long waiting list would provide patients with time to prepare for the operation or find solutions to increase the longevity of their joints and improve their quality of life. Patients need professional nursing care offered by competent and qualified nurses before the endoprosthesis operation. An initial health evaluation of endoprosthesis patients by an orthopaedic nurse is necessary in order to decrease risks. In the case of contraindications, there must be a possibility to refer patients either to their general practitioner or an internal medicine physician of the orthopaedic department and problem solving must be documented and controlled. Early intervention and resolution of health problems can decrease the number of cancelled operations, and the creation of a support system that offers counselling to orthopaedic patients helps ensure the consistency of both pre-op and post-op services. At the moment, an appointment with an orthopaedic nurse takes place a few weeks before the operation and is aimed at discovering any hinderances to endoprosthesis rather than counselling. 37
