Services
The services offered to each patient are different because each patient has unique needs and concerns.
The POSH team will talk to you and your family about
- your goals for surgery and for life after surgery
- how to manage pain in the hospital and at home
- how to manage stress or emotional discomfort in the hospital
- how to advocate for yourself in the hospital
- whether you have advance directives in place to let your loved ones know your wishes in case you can’t speak for yourself
- making the transition to going home (or to a skilled nursing facility) after your surgery
The POSH team will come up with personalized strategies to help you be as healthy as possible before surgery and avoid complications during or after surgery.
Some of these strategies may be things you can do yourself, such as exercising or drinking enough fluids.
Other strategies may involve meeting with another healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, a respiratory therapist, or a specialist such as a cardiologist or endocrinologist.
Here is a partial list of the issues that the POSH team will assess and services that may be offered:
| If you have issues with... | You may be offered... |
|---|---|
| Mobility or strength |
|
| Activities of daily living |
|
| Nutrition of hydration |
|
| Other diseases or conditions |
|
| Problems with vision or hearing |
|
| Multiple prescriptions |
|
| Mood, depression, anxiety |
|
| Mild cognitive impairment or dementia |
|
| Your responsibilities at home |
|
| Questions that arise later |
|
The POSH team will also communicate with other doctors and health professionals, including
- your surgical team, to make sure they are aware of medical or social issues that may affect your surgery
- your primary care doctor, to give them recommendations for post-operative follow-up
See What to Expect for more information about what it’s like to participate in the POSH program.