Introduction / Rationale: As the aging population increases, there is a noted expansion in outpatient orthopedic surgeries. Patients who undergo spine, knee, or hip orthopedic surgeries can experience a change in their daily roles, routines, and occupational engagement. The same day surgery (SDS) department includes the Occupational Therapy service line due to its unique role in determining appropriate and safe readiness for discharge on postoperative day zero. Therapists educate on new precautions, activity modifications,and durable medical equipment (DME) so patients can engage in meaningful tasks safely upon discharge.
Objectives:
Describe the role of OT practitioners within same-day orthopedic surgeries.
Outline the process of providing skilled OT services to same-day patients.
Encourage OTs to participate in the SDS service line.
Methods / Approach: OT’s evaluate functional status, social support, and home environment to determine appropriateness for same day discharge. Additionally, therapists educate on precautions necessary for safe integration during activities of daily living (ADL) and functional mobility.
Results / Practice Implications: OT is relied on within orthopedic SDS so patients safely transition back home. Upon completion of OT education and training, patients can effectively recover from surgery while engaging in meaningful ADLs and mobility.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: As the demand for orthopedic SDS continues to uptrend, there is a need for further skilled OT training for this service line. Providers within the multidisciplinary team rely on OT to determine appropriate discharge and safe engagement in ADLs. Inclusion of OT services during the SDS process has allowed our patients to improve quality of life and optimize functional independence.