The Geriatric Fracture Program at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna is the first of its kind in the state of Georgia and one of a few in the nation, designed to help geriatric patients achieve the best possible outcomes and curb the negative effects of bone fractures. This is done with an expert medical team and specially designed protocols dedicated to providing rapid, coordinated care for older people with fragility fractures. The program aims to get patients into surgery faster and minimize complications, with an ultimate goal of getting patients back to their pre-injury level of activity.
Swift Surgeries
The program starts the moment a hip fracture patient arrives in our Emergency Department. Research shows that patients who are treated quickly after a hip fracture have better outcomes, and therefore, hip fracture patients are considered high priority in our hospital. In other locations, geriatric fracture patients are considered non-urgent cases and must wait days for surgical care. That is not the case at Emory-Adventist Hospital.
Once we detect the fracture patients are put on a fast track to surgery and our streamlined process ensures that the majority of patients are ready for surgery in less than 24 hours from the time they arrive at the ER.
Emphasis on Activity
The sooner patients begin moving after surgery, the faster their recovery will be. The Fracture Program's emphasis on pain management allows patients to feel well enough to begin physical and occupational therapy within just one day of surgery, speeding up their entire recovery process. In addition, we have specially designed orthopedic patient suites. Each suite includes a recliner that encourages patients to move from the bed to a sitting position.
Pain Management
Because patients in the Fracture Program are in surgery so quickly, they require less pain medication both before and after surgery. In fact, Fracture Program patients usually require only over-the-counter pain medication as they are recovering, rather than heavy doses of narcotic medication that can cause confusion and delay recovery.
Specialized Care
The Geriatric Fracture Program at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna is comprised of skilled, board certified orthopedic surgeons, specially trained nurses and rehabilitation staff. It uniquely offers a nurse coordinator that serves as a point of contact for the patient and family and who follows the patients care from arrival to rehabilitation or skilled nursing facilities. This allows us to assist in the care and coordination of services for patients even after they leave the hospital.
Early Involvement In Discharge Planning
Case management nurses meet patient and family within 24 hours of arrival to educate and involve them in early decision making. This expedites appropriate discharge to sub-acute rehab facilities which help patients return to independent living more quickly.
For more information about this program, call 770-436-3162 extension 4252