Patient education

Patient education prior to surgery has been found to be one of the best ways to ensure a patient’s successful surgery and rehabilitation. The Joint and Spine Care Center at Bay Area Hospital encourages prospective patients who are planning a knee or hip replacement surgery to attend a free two-hour class called “Moving Forward.” Spine surgery patients are asked to attend a similar pre-surgery class called “Talking Back.”

Prior to attending either class, patients receive printed material with information that they can review before attending the class and keep while in the hospital and after they are discharged.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
In both classes, patients learn the steps they will go through before, during and after surgery. Our class instructors describe how best to prepare for surgery, what to expect during the hospital stay and offer suggestions for a successful rehabilitation and recovery. Patients learn exercises they can begin doing to get stronger before surgery and they learn how to prepare their home for a safer rehabilitation. For example, removing throw rugs and adding grab bars can help prevent accidents.

WHAT WE’LL NEED FROM YOU
During the class, patients provide instructors with nutritional information that will be reviewed by a registered dietician for potential nutritional needs and current blood sugar (glycemic control). Patients also provide information that will help discharge planners meet each patient’s equipment or prescription needs, address the patient’s concerns and plan a successful discharge.

We highly recommend having a support person — a family member or friend — attend the class you. An educated support person can help you experience a successful recovery at home.

WHEN OUR CLASSES ARE OFFERED
“Moving Forward” classes are taught on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “Talking Back” classes are taught on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

All classes are held at the Bay Area Hospital Community Health and Education Center, 3950 Sherman Ave. in North Bend.

For more information or to register for either class, click here.