Bundling Payment Initiatives for Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: Perspectives of Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Background: A broad qualitative research study explored the perceptions of rehabilitation health care professionals and administrative leadership on coordination of care for rehabilitation patients who received hip or knee arthroplasties under the bundling initiative. Method: Data was collected through the conduction of a focus group, email communication, and individual phone interviews. Researchers analyzed data collected from five administrative personnel and eight rehabilitation health care professionals who work in a facility that participates in a bundling initiative payment model. Results: Four major themes were identified: importance of care coordination, increased efficiency and effectiveness, establishing protocols, and challenges of bundling payment. Conclusion: These findings indicate the significance of inter professional collaboration and communication, establishment of patient autonomy, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols with hip or knee arthroplasties.