PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES AS A QUALITY INDICATOR OF STANDARDISED CARE PLANS FOR TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT

Abstract

Aim of the study: to determine if WOMAC pain and function outcomes and patient satisfaction are maintained after the institution of a new standardised care pathway for people undergoing primary hip or knee replacement (TJA).

Twenty-three institutions partnered to design and implement a care pathway to provide a seamless transition from acute to rehabilitation sectors by pre-surgery streaming of patients to inpatient or home-LOS were tracked against bench marks of minimum 50% discharged home and an inpatient rehab stay of seven days. Subjects were recruited to the evaluation pre-surgery completing the WOMAC. Follow-up WOMAC and satisfaction questionnaires were completed three months later. The sample of five hundred ensured that the 99% confidence interval (CI) of the mean for each of WOMAC pain and function would be within two and five points respectively of the results of a randomised trial where TJA patients received home-based or inpatient rehabilitation.

On average greater than 50% of people were discharged home from acute care and over 50% of those individuals receiving inpatient rehab were discharged in seven days, with 80% discharged by day ten. 349 (73%) of those accrued (mean age 69 222 females) completed three month follow-up Those discharged home have mean pain and physical scores of 82.7 and 78.7% (where high scores are better pain relief and function) and those receiving inpatient rehab have pain and function scores of 78.6 and 72.4%. These values are within our a priori CI for outcome. 13% reported dissatisfaction with rehabilitation planning and care.

This model of care has achieved the goals of increasing the proportion of people discharged home following TJA and decreased rehabilitation LOS with increased system capacity for rehabilitation. The patient outcomes are maintained.