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Joint Camp Eases Joint
Replacement Process

Haywood Regional Medical Center’s Carolina Center for Joint Replacement (CCJR) provides a level of care that is unequalled in the region. Covering all aspects of total joint management, CCJR is a comprehensive, team-focused approach that involves and educates patients about what will occur before, during, and after surgery for hip or knee joint replacement.

The program, also known as “Joint Camp”, integrates efforts between patient and family, the surgeon and his office, pre-op clinic, the operating room, anesthesia, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, case management, and pharmacy. The result of this integration is better patient outcome results and enhanced satisfaction.

Each patient begins Joint Camp by being fully educated about his or her procedure and hospitalization, as well as beginning physical therapy, prior to surgery. It continues with inpatient group therapy followed by education and preparation for recovery at home.

Groups of surgeries are scheduled two days each week, allowing for patients to go through the experience with others who are in a similar situation.

“The hospital stay and staff were wonderful. I received excellent care. Both nursing shifts, physical therapy, dietary, and housekeeping met the highest standards.”
Charles Crago, knee replacement, June 2007

Each patient is assigned a specialized, dedicated team consisting of an orthopaedic surgeon, anesthesiologist, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. Our Joint Camp Liaison serves as a critical link for the patient through all phases of care. This is a team effort on the part of the HRMC staff to be with the patient every step of the way ensuring the best patient experience.

“I would have done it 10 months ago if I knew I would do so well.”
Clarence Messer, hip replacement, May 2007

Features of the program include:

• Pre-operative education classes for the patient and “coach” to help them feel confident as to what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
• A planned patient “pre-hab” program prior to surgery where patients begin physical therapy prior to surgery.
• Intensely trained nurses and therapists who specialize in the care of joint replacement patients.
• Private rooms.
• Family and friends educated to participate as “coaches” in the recovery process.
• A comprehensive patient guidebook including information on the plan of care from six weeks pre-op through discharge and outpatient recovery.
• Group activities, as well as individual care, to increase motivation and instill a sense of friendly competition during recovery.
• A Joint Camp Liaison who facilitates patient care from the preoperative phase through discharge and recovery.
• A coordinated after-care program.
• Public education seminars about hip and knee pain.
• Educational and motivational tools such as a tracking board for walking progress and daily newsletters for the patient and family.

Our dedicated team of physicians and staff pride themselves in sending patients back into the world quickly and healthfully — in order to enjoy the highest quality of life.

“I couldn’t have had a better doctor or asked for any better treatment.”
Doug Blaylock, hip replacement, March 2007

CCJR is overseen by medical advisor Jeffrey Chain, M.D., a board certified orthopaedic surgeon for almost two decades, and his partner Christofer Catterson, M.D., of Western Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists.