Rehabilitation services following total joint replacement: a qualitative analysis of key processes and structures to decrease length of stay and increase surgical volumes in Ontario, Canada.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was: (1) to identify key total joint replacement (TJR) care processes and structures from acute care and rehabilitation hospitals; (2) to determine the perceived implications of practice patterns and processes on wait times, discharge planning, transitions in care, utilization of rehabilitation services, and outcomes; and (3) to understand how acute care hospitals funded for additional cases were addressing current and future rehabilitation needs.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach using key informant interviews was used to provide further insights and depth of understanding to current practice patterns, structures and processes of care for TJR patients.

Results: Twenty-three key informants from a total of 15 hospitals across Ontario participated in this project.