WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Good Samaritan Medical Center (GSMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement, Shoulder Replacement and Spine Surgery certifications by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for total hip and knee replacement, shoulder replacement and spine surgeries. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.

GSMC underwent a rigorous onsite review on March 27^th and March 28^th. During the visit, the Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including:

• The provision of integrated, coordinated, patient-centered care that starts with the orthopedic consultation, through all preoperative and postoperative phases of care
• The care performed in inpatient, hospital-based outpatient (same day surgery), and ambulatory surgery care settings (free standing)
• Education of the surgical patient about the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care
• Shared decision-making and the importance of addressing roles, procedures, goals, and medications with patients throughout the continuum of care
• Consistent communication and collaboration of all healthcare providers involved in the care of the patient receiving joint or spine surgery

Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Total Hip and Knee Replacement, Shoulder Replacement and Spine Surgery certifications recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend GSMC for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“Receiving these certifications from The Joint Commission is a testament to the exceptional skill and dedication of our medical staff,” said GSMC CEO Sheri Montgomery. “We prioritize patient safety, innovation, and superior care in all our procedures, including spine surgery, hip and knee replacements, and shoulder replacements. This achievement reinforces our position as a leader in orthopedic and spinal care.”

The hospital prepared for this survey by implementing several workgroups in each specialty. Leaders in orthopedics, quality, administration as well as designated physician champions engaged in weekly discussions to track readiness, develop programs, and adherence to standards. Departments and staff took part in weekly patient tracers while receiving education and providing feedback real time. One of the most consistent, successful and ongoing directives has been the monthly Orthopedic lecture series led by the Medical Director and Orthopedic Director. All surgeons provide in-services to staff that cover various topics in the surgical interventions and care for total joint and spine patients.

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.