Significant variation exists in home care services following total joint arthroplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To determine a preliminary profile of the variation in rehabilitation and home care services for patients with total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in Ontario in 2001.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted of directors at the 43 regional community care access centers (CCAC).


RESULTS
One-third (36%) of CCAC had existing care pathways, 54% had defined discharge criteria, and 32% had predetermined the length of home care services. The intensity and frequency of services provided were variable.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to standardize rehabilitation protocols to maintain quality of care and contain costs.
Mahomed
Nizar N
NN
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. nizar.mahomed@uhn.on.ca
Lau
Johnny T C
JT
Lin
Manfred Koo Seen
MK
Zdero
Radovan
R
Davey
J Roderick
JR
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006306:Health Surveys; D006699:Home Care Services; D009864:Ontario; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data