Putting the Patient First in Spine Surgery

Patient education and empowerment show improvement in clinical outcomes

While spine surgery is a last resort for many patients with back or neck pain, at least 10% of the 50 million patients with back pain will ultimately require it. Should that need arise, the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute offers a full spectrum of surgical approaches, including minimally invasive procedures, and partners with experienced and skillful surgeons. Research has shown that preoperative education can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction with the surgical experience.

The MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute is committed to preparing patients for surgery and provides nurse navigators to help guide patients and families along the way. The navigators provide support, answer questions and address concerns. Most importantly, they provide patients with the education needed for a successful outcome.

“Receiving pre-operative education is important because it helps patients prepare their minds and bodies for surgery,” says Jennifer Caballero, program coordinator, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute,

Long Beach Medical Center. “The pre-operative education program teaches patients what to expect from surgery, how to handle the surgery and manage their recovery at home.”

Nurse navigators help patients prepare for surgery by describing what to expect during their hospital stay and after surgery. Patients are encouraged to have a coach, which could be a friend or family member, to encourage, support and motivate them during recovery. Some patients like to go through the process with the support of a partner in care who can help encourage and support them through their treatment.

“We make sure our patients know what to expect throughout their entire journey, and if they want a family member or friend to help guide them, we support that environment,” says Winnie Elias, nurse navigator, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Orange Coast Medical Center. “We believe in empowering our patients and know that their outcomes will be better if we give them the tools and support they need to have a successful recovery.”

The pre-operative education program educates patients and their families on the best way to make sure they can have a positive recovery at home. If physical therapy is recommended, nurse navigators help arrange these services so patients can learn movement exercises to do at home and how to arrange their homes to promote a safe environment without trip hazards that could cause a fall.

“We teach patients breathing exercises to help patients re-expand their lungs and start proper oxygenation, which is necessary for effective healing,” says Ildiko Vitez, nurse navigator, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Saddleback Medical Center. “Patients also learn spine precautions from our physical therapists, such as how to exercise properly to promote healing, and how to avoid injuries during the recovery process.”

MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute puts the patient’s quality of life at the forefront of their care — getting them back to doing what they love. To learn more, visit memorialcare.org/MOSI.