As healthcare continues to shift toward value-based, outcomes-driven models, innovation in post-acute orthopedic care has never been more critical. Spring Morrow, Regional Director of Marketing for the Northern Oklahoma division, has been at the forefront of this evolution, leading the development of Orthopedic Centers of Excellence across five facilities. Through close collaboration with orthopedic surgeons, interdisciplinary care teams, and community partners, Spring has helped create a program focused on continuity, personalization, and measurable outcomes. In this interview, she shares the vision behind the initiative, how excellence is defined and measured, and what sets these Centers of Excellence apart in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape.
What was the original vision for developing the Orthopedic Center of Excellence?
The original vision was to create a comprehensive program that improved postoperative outcomes for orthopedic patients, specifically those undergoing hip and knee replacements. By collaborating closely with a local orthopedic surgeon, we aimed to tailor therapies and rehabilitation plans that met the unique needs of our patients, ensuring they receive specialized care from pre-op through to recovery and discharge from skilled nursing care. We also wanted to collaborate so closely with our surgeons’ interdisciplinary team to ensure that even after they discharge from our care, we are following through with the surgeons’ recovery plans.
How does the COE align with your organization’s broader goals around value-based care and outcomes?
The COE directly supports our organization’s mission by focusing on enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction. Through targeted interventions and specialized rehabilitative therapies, we not only aim to improve our patients’ recovery times but also enhance their overall quality of life post-surgery. This aligns with our goal of providing high-quality, cost-effective care.
What differentiates your orthopedic program from others in the market?
Our program is unique in that it offers specialized, surgeon-directed rehabilitation protocols tailored specifically to the recovery process of our patients. Unlike many programs for accountable care organizations that exist in both rural and urban settings, our focus on personalized care and close collaboration with orthopedic surgeons ensures that our patients receive a level of focused attention that translates into better outcomes.
What quality metrics or outcomes do you track to measure success?
We track several key metrics, including length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and overall patient satisfaction scores. These indicators help us assess both the efficiency and effectiveness of our orthopedic services.
How do you engage patients and families throughout the entire episode of care?
Education and communication are key to patient and family engagement. We provide pre-admission educational materials, involve family members in goal setting during rehabilitation, and encourage open dialogue with care teams. This proactive involvement empowers patients and promotes adherence to recovery plans.
How do you engage orthopedic surgeons in shaping the COE?
We actively involve orthopedic surgeons in leadership roles within the COE, encouraging their input and insights on clinical pathways and program development. Regular meetings and collaborative decision-making forums ensure that their expertise directly influences the quality and direction of care.
What feedback has been shared about resident experience in the COE?
Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the personalized care, attentive staff, and effective communication. Many patients report feeling well-supported throughout their surgical journey and appreciate the focus on their individual recovery needs post hospital discharge.
What advice would you give post-acute or rehab partners looking to align with an orthopedic COE?
I would recommend that potential partners prioritize open communication and collaboration on care pathways. Reach out to us to initiate a CEO program that is tailored to your specific therapies and programs you wish to include. Our programs are not specific to one surgeon but to each surgeon. We collaborate closely with individual healthcare providers to give all their patients the best outcomes.
Establishing clear expectations and shared goals around patient outcomes can lead to meaningful partnerships that enhance the overall quality of care.
How do you plan to evolve the orthopedic COE over the next 3–5 years?
Our evolution will focus on incorporating advanced technologies, such as rehab programs and therapies, and even patient monitoring tools, which can help enhance the quality of care. We’ll also explore expanding our patient education resources.
What innovations or trends will most impact orthopedic centers of excellence in the future?
Innovations in predictive analytics for patient outcomes, and personalized medicine are trends expected to reshape orthopedic care.
Additionally, the incorporation of virtual reality for rehabilitation exercises presents exciting opportunities for improved patient engagement and outcomes. We are already Incorporating Virtual reality into therapies, where patients can go bowling, climb ladders, do laundry and other household chores.
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At its core, the Orthopedic Center of Excellence initiative reflects a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and patient-centered care. Under Spring Morrow’s leadership, the program has evolved into a model that not only improves clinical outcomes but also enhances the patient experience from surgery through recovery and beyond.
By aligning surgeons, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and home health partners around shared goals, the program demonstrates what’s possible when innovation meets intentional care design. As orthopedic care continues to advance, these Centers of Excellence are well-positioned to grow, adapt, and set new standards for post-acute recovery in the years ahead.
