A decade ago, outpatient total joint replacement was routinely performed at only a few facilities nationwide. Today, advances in surgical techniques, pain management, and technology have made it mainstream, and the industry is expanding rapidly. In 2023, Sg2 projected a 40%+ increase in outpatient hip and knee replacement volume over the following decade (2023–2033).
Yet while the surgical approach has evolved, many practices still rely on outdated patient education methods—handing patients a folder of printed materials or hosting a single pre-op class, then expecting them to prepare on their own. Research shows that patients retain as little as 20% of information provided verbally during clinical visits. In today’s high-volume, same-day discharge environment, this approach is insufficient and costly.
The New Standard: Continuous, Connected Care
Success in outpatient joint replacement depends on keeping patients informed, confident, and compliant from the moment surgery is scheduled through at least 90 days post-op. Interactive online engagement platforms can:
- Educate patients up to 30 days before surgery.
- Track progress and accountability for rehab, exercises, and recovery milestones.
- Offer real-time answers and proactive communication to reduce confusion and anxiety.
This continuous education and engagement result in more confident and better-prepared patients, smoother recoveries, and measurable improvements in satisfaction, outcomes, and cost efficiency.
If your ASC or hospital offers outpatient joint replacement, upgrading your patient education and engagement strategy is essential. Consider the following nine ways a structured patient engagement program can strengthen your program and better serve the patients you care for.
9 Reasons a Patient Engagement Program Will Benefit Your Organization
- Bridges the Gap in Touch Points
Patients are discharged the same day and may be fatigued or overwhelmed when critical post-operative instructions are provided, increasing the risk that key information is missed. - Compensates for Lean ASC Staffing
Digital programs handle routine education, allowing staff to focus on direct patient care. - Reduces Post-Op Call Volume
With comprehensive education at their fingertips, patients turn to the program, not the office, for answers. - Expands Your Geographic Reach
Engage and educate patients remotely, regardless of their distance from your facility. - Caters to Younger, Busy Patients
Private-payer outpatient cases often involve working-age adults with limited time for in-person visits. - Ensures Physical Readiness & Compliance
Video demonstrations, reminders, and tracking features keep patients on track with prescribed exercises. - Aligns with the New Model of Care
Advanced surgical techniques deserve equally modern patient engagement tools. - Supports Reimbursement & Regulatory Demands
Track outcomes, satisfaction, and compliance to meet payer and regulatory demands. - Drives Efficiency & Cost Savings
Reduce preventable readmissions, improve outcomes, and use resources more effectively.
Outpatient joint replacement is here to stay, and its growth shows no signs of slowing. To thrive in this evolving surgical landscape, patients must be prepared, engaged, and supported throughout the entire care continuum, from pre-operative preparation through full recovery. A scalable, tech-driven engagement program empowers your organization to consistently and efficiently meet that standard.