The impact of patient navigation on length of hospital stay and satisfaction in patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty

Abstract

BackgroundHealthcare organizations are implementing innovative ways to deliver patient centered care, which includes the addition of the orthopedic nurse navigator role. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine length of hospital stay and patient satisfaction following the implementation of an orthopedic surgery CNS-patient navigator. MethodsThis prospective descriptive study (n = 226) examined length of stay, location of discharge, and readmission to hospital by reviewing the participants’ electronic hospital record. Patient satisfaction was examined by telephone using the Patient Satisfaction with Interpersonal Relationship with Navigator scale, and generic health related quality of life and patient experience were measured by the howRu/howRwe scale. ResultsThe mean length of hospital stay was 2.8 (±1.0), which was less than the provincial mean length of stay for the same time period. The majority of participants were discharged to home, and only 1.3% of participants were readmitted to the same hospital within 30 days following discharge. All participants were satisfied with the care they received from the navigator, and reported a positive patient experience and health related quality of life. ConclusionThe mean length of stay in our hospital was lower than the provincial mean. Participants were satisfied with the care provided by the navigator.