Implementing a rapid recovery total joint arthroplasty protocol is safe and effective in a Veterans Affairs setting, according to a study in The Journal of Arthroplasty.
Here are three things to know:
1. Researchers implemented a rapid recovery protocol for all patients undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty at a VA hospital. Study authors conducted a retrospective chart review comparing 174 pre-protocol and 78 protocol patients.
2. After implementing the protocol, the average length of stay decreased from 3.2 days to 1.7 days.
3. Protocol implementation lowered perioperative healthcare costs. In the protocol group, there was a 12.3 percent increase in patients discharged home directly.