Physician Information

A Resource to Physicians

It is a commonly-held belief that Individuals with good coping skills are able to adapt to medical challenges they face as well as improve their health outcomes. Psychological wellbeing is well known to contribute to health outcomes and a plethora of studies in medical science have shown a strong association among psychologic state, pain and short-and-long term functional recovery.

Orthopaedic Surgeons

Recent Orthopaedic literature has begun to explore the impact of psychological status on the outcomes of Hip and Knee Replacement. Studies report that it is vital to optimize patients for joint replacement by including management of their psychological status in the treatment plan.

A long-term study in 2007 reported preoperative depression, anxiety, and pain were associated with greater pain, more utilization of healthcare resources, and worse outcome 1 year after total knee arthroplasty (Brander,  Gondek, Martin, & Stulberg, 2007). Study authors suggest that “Depression drives long-term outcomes; the Knee Society score is influenced by psychologic variables and does not solely reflect issues related to the knee”. Other investigators have proposed that perceived stress, anxiety, depression, social support, and attitude are factors that influence outcome after various orthopaedic surgeries.

Treatment of depression and anxiety before surgery therefore may be an important strategy to improve outcome after orthopedic surgery (Brander, Stulberg, Adams, Harden, Bruehl, Stanos, & Houle, 2003). A busy orthopaedist’s office seems a less than ideal place to address the complex psychological issues that patients bring to their surgical consultation . However the association among psychologic state, pain, and short- and long term functional recovery after joint replacement is so strong that it warrants attention.

Preferred Provider Service

Janus Associates has provided psychological services to the Calgary medical community since 1976. As a practising physician, you may choose to recommend the services of a psychologist to assist your patients with the mental, emotional or stress aspects of their health concerns. Janus Associates would like to be that service provider.

Why Refer to Janus Associates?

Janus Associates has ten psychologists on staff with expertise and experience in various areas of psychological practice (see Counselling Services). All are chartered by the College of Alberta Psychologists and, as such, are regulated by a governing body with a professional code of ethics and fee guidelines. Janus offers same-day crisis intervention, flexible hours and prompt access to counselling appointments. Janus Associates is centrally located with ample parking.

HealthCare Benefits and Insurance

Psychological counselling is not usually covered by Alberta Health Care. However, many patients will have coverage (sometimes referred to under paramedical services) through employer benefits, employee assistance programs or health insurance plans. All of Janus's services are eligible for coverage under these plans.

An Integrated Model

The psychologists at Janus Associates have come to believe that an integrated model of health and wellness is most effective for patient care. We are willing to and prefer to work in collaboration with physicians to provide such care to your patients.