Improving Ambulation and Related Documentation for Total Knee Arthroscopy Patients

Abstract

"Ambulation is an evidence-based element to improve overall recovery and discharge from the hospital (Hoyer et al., 2023). This quality improvement project's purpose is to create a process to improve the patient's mobility status and ambulation distance on Post Op Day (POD) 0 after total knee arthroscopy (TKA) surgery. The aims of the project were to lengthen distance patients ambulate on POD 0, increase the percentage of patients who ambulate on POD 0, and improve the documentation of patient ambulation distances. Most patients are capable of ambulating on POD 0 after a TKA. Improving ambulation on POD 0 increases the patient's recovery after TKA surgery. Motivating both the patient to ambulate and the staff to help ambulate are equally important (Zhong, et al., 2021). A bundled approach of staff education as well as monitoring progress using standardized assessment tools will guide patient's ambulation needs and standardize the documentation around the distances ambulated on POD 0. The aim is to improve the patient's overall recovery outcomes following TKA surgery. "