Education

While in the country of mission, Operation Walk doctors share with our foreign colleagues the most advanced knowledge of joint replacement surgery. The Operation Walk team teaches while working side-by-side with anesthetists, surgeons, internists, nurses in the operation room, floor or recovery room, physical therapy, and central sterilizing of instruments. A typical Operation Walk weeklong mission will often include the following:

PRE-OP

Prior to all surgery, Operation Walk surgeons team up with the in-country surgeons to evaluate each patient, discuss surgical options and plan the surgery schedule.

MEDICAL STUDENTS

Using patient x-rays, Op Walk surgeons lead discussions with in-country medical students to demonstrate diagnosis, planning, templating and evaluation of joint disease.

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Operation Walk anesthesiologists teach anesthesia protocol and applications to the partnering anesthesiologists. Techniques and care are emphasized.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Operation Walk physical therapists hold classes for the in-country therapists on appropriate post-operative and post-discharge care. If available, the out-patient department is evaluated and supplied with equipment to help in post-discharge therapy.

NURSING

Operation Walk nurses teach classes regarding the post-operative care of joint replacement patients. Medications, pain management, dressing changes, positioning, timelines for suture removal and follow-up care are all discussed.

POST-OP

Floor nurses and physical therapists all work together with the patients and their families on an individual basis to provide information and demonstration of proper care following surgery. Such things as how to assist a patient out of bed, on and off the toilet, turning on the side, dressing and advancing from crutches to cane are all imperative to know before leaving the hospital.

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