Researchers from NRH and the Institute for Clinical Outcomes Research (ICOR), in Salt Lake City, UT, have launched an unprecedented 24-month study to investigate the post-acute management of patients with hip and knee replacements in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The study aims to identify the types of joint-replacement patients who are best served in each type of facility, taking into account the types of services and therapies rendered in both settings of care.

A 20-member Policy Advisory Panel, consisting of payers, consumers, providers, trade groups, professional associations and government agencies, as well as other researchers, will advise the team. This panel was designed to ensure that study findings will ultimately assist policy makers and providers in optimizing post-acute placement and service delivery decisions.

The study comes on the heels of a recent call by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging government, academic and industry groups to conduct research in this area. Early study results are scheduled for release in the fall of 2006.