A Clinical Nurse Specialist Led Journey to The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Certification in Hip Fractures

Abstract

The Joint Commission's Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Organizations may seek certification for virtually any chronic disease or condition. Successful accomplishment of certification means you have demonstrated a commitment to providing quality care and you seek to continuously improve that care. As a Level II trauma center, we know that hip fractures occurring in older adults are a common and serious condition, frequently leading to functional decline, morbidity, and mortality. As one consequence of the aging of America, the incidence of hip fractures is steadily increasing. The process of applying for this certification has provided us with a solid structure on which to continue to build and maintain our disease management programs. This has resulted in a multidisciplinary approach to standardization of care, greater efficiency, and ultimately better outcomes for the hip fracture population that we serve.