Objective: To determine a preliminary profile of the variation in rehabilitation and home care services for patients with total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in Ontario in 2001.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of directors at the 43 regional community care access centers (CCAC).
Results: One-third (36%) of CCAC had existing care pathways, 54% had defined discharge criteria, and 32% had predetermined the length of home care services. The intensity and frequency of services provided were variable.
Conclusion: There is a need to standardize rehabilitation protocols to maintain quality of care and contain costs.