title: An amputee critical path.
abstract: Approximately 115,000 lower extremity amputations (50 per 100,000 in the general population) were performed in 1985. Successful rehabilitation of these patients is contingent upon comprehensive coordination of in-patient care and education of patients and families, coupled with effective discharge planning and follow-up. In an environment that places emphasis on shortened length of stay, an efficient method to a unified multi-disciplinary approach is more difficult than ever to accomplish. "Critical Pathways" are an effective tool to expedite the communication and planning required to achieve a timely discharge as well as successful rehabilitation.
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Mikulaninec
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011182:Postoperative Care