UNC Health Johnston awarded certification for total hip, knee replacement
UNC Health Johnston has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon.
UNC Health Johnston underwent a rigorous, onsite review on Oct. 25. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including delivering and facilitating clinical care.
Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Total hip and knee replacement certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations for The Joint Commission. “We commend UNC Health Johnston for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
Tom Williams, CEO and president of UNC Health Johnston, applauded the hard work and preparation of nurse manager Christy Collins, who heads up the hospital’s Joint Center for hip and knee surgeries. “We’re always striving to offer the best possible care for our patients,” he says. “This latest certification reflects the dedication and commitment of our total joint team.”
To prepare for the certification, every teammate who takes care of total joint patients underwent additional training based on The Joint Commission’s clinical practice guidelines and standards. They included care managers as well as physical therapists, operating room techs and nurses in pre- and post-operative care.
In addition, the hospital was required to submit data and audit the care of every joint patient during a four-month period to demonstrate compliance with the standards.
