Event 7: Take Home Messages

Level of Evidence

You have concluded Donald’s case. Now, let’s review the levels of evidence.

For evidence-based practice, we have included a grading of evidence – strong, moderate, and weak. 

Strong Evidence

Meta-Analysis or Systematic Reviews, Randomized Clinical Trials 

Moderate Evidence

Cohort Studies to help answer questions about prognosis, etiology or harm

Weak Evidence

Case Series, Case Reports, Case Control Study

Summary of Evidence

Iowa Pain Thermometer

Moderate evidence

PEG

Moderate evidence

ORT

Moderate evidence

MMSE

Moderate evidence

KOOS

Moderate evidence

PT with TKA

Moderate evidence

TENS

Moderate evidence

Other Take Home Messages

These are the important notes about best practice and may not have been completed in our case.

  • Pain management following total knee arthroplasty includes pain assessment, assessment of pain impact, medication review, storage of medications, medication scheduling and safety in the home. 
  • CDC guidelines for postoperative pain include short term use of opioids for pain management. It is important to weight the risk/benefit of pain strategies as a part of the plan of care.
  • Physical therapy following total knee arthroplasty improves function and mobility more than those who do not undergo physical therapy.
  • Storing and locking of medications at home are an important step of medication review.
  • A home exercise program is an important part of recovery and self-management after a total knee arthroplasty.

 

 

 

 

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