Patients are referred to a spine surgeon when back pain is interfering with their functioning and activities most of the time and conservative measures haven’t resolved their pain.
While there are minimally invasive options available to treat back pain, sometimes surgery is needed to restore a patient’s functioning and quality of life.
And thanks to Novant Health’s dedicated Spine Navigator, patients won’t walk alone through their surgical journey.
A single point of contact for patients
Novant Health offers spine care across the Triad, with experts in Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Thomasville, Lexington, Winston-Salem, Mount Airy and Bermuda Run.
After a patient is scheduled for spinal fusion, ACDF surgery, or other invasive back surgeries at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, they receive a call from spine navigator Jacquin Long.
Long, who has a doctorate in kinesiology, is part of a team dedicated to ensuring good outcomes for spinal surgery patients. Her job as spine navigator is to walk patients through the surgery process from start to finish.
She ensures patients know exactly what to expect going into their surgery — and beyond. If they have questions at any point in the process, they can contact her.
A safer discharge … before surgery even starts
During their first call, Long determines with patients whether it’s safe for them to be discharged to their home after their surgery, if they will be able to safely perform activities of daily living, and who will take care of them postoperatively.
If they need durable medical equipment to support their recovery at home, she helps them get it. If they need transportation, she helps them arrange it.
If they can’t safely recover at home or need more support to do so, she connects them with inpatient rehab or home health.
Individualized counseling for patients
Long also shares instructions from the patient’s surgeon, helps patients understand what the recovery period will look like, and reviews “do’s” and “don’ts” following surgery.
“When you’re being told that you’re having an extensive spine surgery, it can be information overload,” Long said. “My role gives them that one-on-one time to ask questions, address concerns and understand what is happening.”
Lower anxiety — and increased engagement
Patients appreciate the individualized attention, Long said.
“They say, ‘I’m just so glad you called me, because I had a list of questions, and now I feel better.’”
Long also practices patient-centered goal setting, asking patients to describe what they’re looking forward to after they recover.
“I want them to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Long said. “And that if they follow the discharge directions, they can get back to whatever it is that they desire to do.”
An important resource for patients
After surgery, Long visits patients in the hospital and educates them and their caregiver(s) about the importance of mobility in decreasing the risk of blood clots, pneumonia and infections. She shares the warning signs of infections, reviews recovery guidelines, and reminds patients that they can contact her with any concerns postoperatively.
If a patient’s discharge plans need to change, she works with case managers to find the support they need.
Once patients are home, Long follows up with high-risk patients by phone and connects them with any additional care they need.
“The spine navigator allows patients to feel more informed and comfortable with their upcoming procedure,” orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Scott Nimmons of Novant Health Brain & Spine Surgery - Kimel Park said. “She serves as an important resource for our patients.”
Improved patient satisfaction and outcomes
Worldwide, patient navigator programs have been shown to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes and reduce rates of readmission and emergency visits.
Over the last two years, Long and Novant Health’s spine council team have achieved:
• A 3.8% hospital readmission rate for their spinal surgery patients (the national average is 5.4%)
• A 4% reduction in post-surgery emergency room visits from these patients
• Reduced length of stay for patients following back surgery
For more information about the clinical spine navigator in the Winston-Salem region, please call Jacquin Long at 336-718-5625.
To find a spine specialist visit Spine, Back and Neck Care | Novant Health