Movement is Life is a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate musculoskeletal disparities. A core tenet of the organization is to foster multidisciplinary cooperation among healthcare providers. At Movement is Life, the strong collaborative relationship between orthopaedic nurses and physicians is flourishing. This article series is an example of our unified efforts to improve patient access to total joint arthroplasty (TJA).
The articles in this series are the culmination of discussions with orthopaedic nurse navigators focused on preoperative optimization of risk factors for patients receiving TJA. Throughout the development of this article series, we were able to appreciate the importance of a team-based approach to patient care, especially for the complex health profiles often presented by those seeking orthopaedic surgery. We are grateful for the perspectives shared by nurse navigators in diverse locations and practice settings, as their enthusiasm made this project possible. It was evident that the shared goals of enhancing patient care, strengthening nursing and physician collaboration efforts, and improving outcomes for TJA patients were of paramount importance to all members of the care team.
The findings described in this series were presented at the 2022 Movement is Life Caucus in Washington, DC, alongside the work of a multidisciplinary group of individuals and organizations dedicated to erasing disparities in musculoskeletal care since 2010, including a team of National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) nurses like those who shared their invaluable perspectives. The event was an inspiring demonstration of the commitment of medical professionals, community members, and grassroots organizations to collaborate to improve the health of our society. We hope the findings we present in this article series will continue to advance the mission of creating equity in the field of orthopaedics and improve access to musculoskeletal care.