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guides patients through their surgeries and recoveries, so they're back to doing what they love as soon as possible. "The hospital stay for joint replace- ment surgery is relatively quick, but it's one of the most major and life-changing procedures we do," says Amanda Page, Galichia's knee and hip program coor- dinator and nurse navigator. The Rapid Recovery program at both hospitals includes pre-surgery classes, in which navigators walk patients through what they can expect, including surgery prepa ration, the surger y itself a nd outpatient therapy. Patients who are unable to attend the hip and knee classes in person can request to have the materials mailed to them, which they can review while on the phone with a navigator. Once patients arrive at the hospital, the navi- gators are again by their sides, visiting daily to ensure their needs are met. "I'm here for anything, whether my patients have a question about their treatment or have a family member who needs help finding the cafeteria," says Paula Hopkins, an advanced practice nurse who serves as the Wesley program coordinator. "And I'm here for the care team, too. Whether it's coordinating aspects of the procedure with the sur- geon or providing information back to the patient's primary care physician, we are here to help." Coordinating Care in the Structural Heart Program The str uctura l hea rt progra m at Wesley combines t he ex per t ise of cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists to provide the best treat- ment options for patients with complex heart disorders. This multidisciplinary approach offers patients access to several specialists at one time in order to expedite care. It also provides access to Andrea Gallardo, an advanced practice nurse and the structural heart program coordinator. Gallardo coordinates the medical and surgical teams to evaluate and treat each patient in the structural heart program and ensures continuity of patient care throughout the entire process. "I want to answer questions, explain treatments and serve as a source of com- fort and support at a time when patients need it most," Gallardo says. "But a huge part of this role is also coordinating the efforts of the structural heart team, from the initial referral to the surgical consults to the interventional cardiologists." Communication Is Key Nurse navigators are dedicated to help- ing each patient on his or her healthcare journey. But the patient is best served when all of his or her physicians are informed and involved in that care, every step of the way. "I know we're considered 'patient' navigators by many, and that's a huge part of what we do," Kelley says. "But working with physicians and their offices is just as important. "That coordination of care means a more informed, more empowered patient and care team. And that's going to lead to better outcomes — which is everyone's goal." ■ WESLEY'S NURSE NAVIGATORS are available to answer any questions about the coordination of care for your patients in the navigators' respective service lines. Please contact them directly, or visit wesleymc.com for more information. + Jolinda Kelley, RN, BSN Women's Services 316-204-2728 Jolinda.Kelley@wesleymc.com + Paula Hopkins, MSN, APRN Orthopedics, Wesley Medical Center 316-962-3062 Paula.Hopkins@wesleymc.com + Amanda Page, RN, BSN Orthopedics, Galichia Heart Hospital 316-858-8921 Amanda.Page@wesleymc.com + Andrea Gallardo, APRN Structural heart program 316-962-6340 Andrea.Gallardo@wesleymc.com Wesley Orthopedic Nurse Navigators Paula Hopkins (left), APRN, and Amanda Page, RN, discuss physical therapy programs with a joint replacement patient. Wesley Women's Services Nurse Navigator Jolinda Kelley, RN, (right) and Margaret O'Hara, MD, perinatologist, review a patient history together. M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Greater Kansas | 7