The St. Tammany Quality Network (STQN) presented its 2016 second quarter medical director’s award to Dr. Roch Hontas, an orthopedist at the Bone and Joint
Clinic of St. Tammany Parish Hospital, for spearheading the effort focused on improving outcomes and efficiencies associated with total hip and knee replacement.
“Dr. Hontas has been instrumental in moving St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s comprehensive joint replacement program forward in a significant way,” said Dr. Michael K. Hill, STQN medical director. “We have been pleased with the pace of improvement in such a short period.”
Since the effort began in March, more than 90 percent of patients attend pre-surgery education focused on setting expectations around hospital admission and plan of care post-discharge.
The pre-surgery education is provided by a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, social workers and pre- and post-operative nurses, that ensure the patient is prepared for surgery, understands post-surgical expectations and has the social support needed to accomplish maximum functional outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Hontas is actively working with other STPH orthopedists to identify best surgical and post-surgical practices as well as the best approach to rehabilitation in post-hospital settings.
The St. Tammany Quality Network continuously strives to keep the medical and nursing staff at St. Tammany Parish Hospital informed of best practices and how to best serve the patients of west St. Tammany Parish.