Aims. The aim of this study was to report health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and joint-specific function in patients waiting for total hip or knee arthroplasty surgery (THA or TKA) in Northern Ireland, compared to published literature and a matched normal population. Secondary aims were to report emergency department (ED) and out-of-hours general practitioner (OOH GP) visits, new prescriptions of strong opioids, and new prescriptions of antidepressants while waiting. Methods. This was a cohort study of 991 patients on the waiting list for arthroplasty in a single Northern Ireland NHS trust: 497 on the waiting list for ≤ three months; and 494 waiting ≥ three years. Postal surveys included the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), visual analogue scores (EQ-VAS), and Oxford Hip and Knee scores to assess HRQoL and joint-specific function. Electronic records determined prescriptions since addition to the waiting list and patient attendances at OOH GP/EDs. Results. Overall, 712/991 (71.8%) responded at ≤ three months for THA (n = 164) and TKA (n = 199), and ≥ three years for THA (n = 88) and TKA (n = 261). The median EQ-5D-5L score in those waiting ≤ three months was 0.155 (interquartile range (IQR) -0.118 to 0.375) and 0.189 (IQR -0.130 to 0.377) for ≥ three years. Matched controls had a median EQ-5D-5L 0.837 (IQR 0.728 to 1.000). Compared to matched controls, EQ-5D-5L scores were significantly lower in both waiting cohorts (p < 0.001) with significant differences found in every domain. Negative scores, indicating a state “worse than death”, were present in 40% at ≤ three months and 38% at ≥ three years. Patients waiting ≥ three years had significantly more opioid (28.4% vs 15.2%; p < 0.001) and antidepressant prescriptions (15.2% vs 9.9%; p = 0.034) and significantly more joint-related attendances at unscheduled care (11.7% vs 0% with ≥ one ED attendance (p < 0.001) and (25.5% vs 2.5% ≥ one OOH GP attendance (p < 0.001)). Conclusion. Patients on waiting lists in Northern Ireland are severely disabled with the worst HRQoL and functional scores studied. The lack of deterioration in EQ-5D-5L and joint-specific scores between patients waiting ≤ three months and ≥ three years likely reflects floor effects of these scores. Prolonged waits were associated with increased dependence on strong opiates, depression, and attendances at unscheduled care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):783–794

Aims. Due to widespread cancellations in elective orthopaedic procedures, the number of patients on waiting list for surgery is rising. We aim to determine and quantify if disparities exist between inpatient and day-case orthopaedic waiting list numbers; we also aim to determine if there is a ‘hidden burden’ that already exists due to reductions in elective secondary care referrals. Methods. Retrospective data were collected between 1 April 2020 and 31 December 2020 and compared with the same nine-month period the previous year. Data collected included surgeries performed (day-case vs inpatient), number of patients currently on the orthopaedic waiting list (day-case vs inpatient), and number of new patient referrals from primary care and therapy services. Results. There was a 52.8% reduction in our elective surgical workload in 2020. The majority of surgeries performed in 2020 were day case surgeries (739; 86.6%) with 47.2% of these performed in the independent sector on a ‘lift and shift’ service. The total number of patients on our waiting lists has risen by 30.1% in just 12 months. As we have been restricted in performing inpatient surgery, the inpatient waiting lists have risen by 73.2%, compared to a 1.6% rise in our day-case waiting list. New patient referral from primary care and therapy services have reduced from 3,357 in 2019 to 1,722 in 2020 (49.7% reduction). Conclusion. This study further exposes the increasing number of patients on orthopaedic waiting lists. We observed disparities between inpatient and day-case waiting lists, with dramatic increases in the number of inpatients on the waiting lists. The number of new patient referrals has decreased, and we predict an influx of referrals as the pandemic eases, further adding to the pressure on inpatient waiting lists. Robust planning and allocation of adequate resources is essential to deal with this backlog. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):530–534

Aims. The aims were to assess whether preoperative joint-specific function (JSF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were associated with level of clinical frailty in patients waiting for a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or knee arthroplasty (KA). Methods. Patients waiting for a THA (n = 100) or KA (n = 100) for more than six months were prospectively recruited from the study centre. Overall,162 patients responded to the questionnaire (81 THA; 81 KA). Patient demographics, Oxford score, EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) score, EuroQol visual analogue score (EQ-VAS), Rockwood Clinical Frailty Score (CFS), and time spent on the waiting list were collected. Results. There was a significant correlation between CFS and the Oxford score (THA r = −0.838; p < 0.001, KA r = −0.867; p < 0.001), EQ-5D index (THA r = −0.663, p =< 0.001; KA r = −0.681; p =< 0.001), and EQ-VAS (THA r = −0.414; p < 0.001, KA r = −0.386; p < 0.001). Confounding variables (demographics and waiting time) where adjusted for using multiple regression analysis. For each 8.5 (THA, 95% CI 7.1 to 10.0; p < 0.001) and 9.9 (KA, 95% CI 8.4 to 11.4; p < 0.001) point change in the Oxford score, there was an associated change in level of the CFS. For each 0.16 (THA, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.22; p < 0.001) and 0.20 (KA, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.27; p < 0.001) utility change in EQ-5D, there was an associated change in level of the CFS. EQ-VAS (THA, B = −11.5; p < 0.001, KA B = −7.9; p = 0.005) was also associated with CFS. Conclusion. JSF and HRQoL in patients awaiting THA or KA for more than six months, were independently associated with level of clinical frailty. With further prospective studies, clinical frailty may prove to be a useful metric to assist in the prioritization of arthroplasty waiting lists. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):241–249

Aims. The overall aim of this study was to determine the impact of deprivation with regard to quality of life, demographics, joint-specific function, attendances for unscheduled care, opioid and antidepressant use, having surgery elsewhere, and waiting times for surgery on patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Postal surveys were sent to 1,001 patients on the waiting list for THA or TKA in a single Northern Ireland NHS Trust, which consisted of the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), visual analogue scores (EQ-VAS), and Oxford Hip and Knee Scores. Electronic records determined prescriptions since addition to the waiting list and out-of-hour GP and emergency department attendances. Deprivation quintiles were determined by the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2017 using postcodes of home addresses. Results. Overall, 707 postal surveys were returned, of which 277 (39.2%) reported negative “worse than death” EQ-5D scores and 219 (21.9%) reported the consumption of strong opioids. Those from the least deprived quintile 5 had a significantly better EQ-5D index (median 0.223 (interquartile range (IQR) -0.080 to 0.503) compared to those in the most deprived quintiles 1 (median 0.049 (IQR -0.199 to 0.242), p = 0.004), 2 (median 0.076 (IQR -0.160 to 0.277; p = 0.010), and 3 (median 0.076 (IQR-0.153 to 0.301; p = 0.010). Opioid use was significantly greater in the most deprived quintile 1 compared to all other quintiles (45/146 (30.8%) vs 174/809 (21.5%); odds ratio 1.74 (95% confidence interval 1.18 to 2.57; p = 0.005). Conclusion. More deprived patients have worse health-related quality of life and greater opioid use while waiting for THA and TKA than more affluent patients. For patients awaiting surgery, more information and alternative treatment options should be available. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):444–451

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patients waiting six months or more for a total hip (THA) or knee (KA) arthroplasty had a deterioration in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary aims were to assess changes in frailty and the number of patients living in a state considered to be worse than death (WTD), and factors associated with changes in HRQoL and frailty. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 326 patients, 150 males (46.0%) and 176 females (54.0%), with a mean age of 68.6 years (SD 9.8) who were randomly selected from waiting lists at four centres and had been waiting for six months or more (median 13 months, interquartile range 10 to 21) for a primary THA (n = 161) or KA (n = 165). The EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scores (EQ-VAS), Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and 36-Item Short Form Survey subjective change in HRQoL were assessed at the time and recalled for six months earlier. A state that was WTD was defined as an EQ-5D of less than zero. Results. There were significant deteriorations in the EQ-5D (mean 0.175, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.145 to 0.204; p < 0.001), EQ-VAS (mean 8.6, 95% CI 7.0 to 10.4; < 0.001), and CFS (from 3 “managing well” to 4 “vulnerable”; p < 0.001), and a significant increase in the number of those in a state that was WTD (n = 48; p < 0.001) during the previous six months for the whole cohort. A total of 110 patients (33.7%) stated that their health was much worse and 107 (32.8%) felt it was somewhat worse compared with six months previously. A significantly greater EQ-5D (-0.14, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.28; p = 0.038) and a state that was not WTD (-0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.26; p = 0.031) were associated with a deterioration in the EQ-5D. THA (0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.34; p = 0.002) or a lower (better) CFS (0.14, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.20; p < 0.001) were independently significantly associated with a deterioration in the CFS. Conclusion. Patients waiting more than six months for THA or KA had a significant deterioration in their HRQoL and increased frailty, with two-thirds of patients feeling that their health had worsened. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1215–1224

Aims. In countries with social healthcare systems, such as Canada, patients may experience long wait times and a decline in their health status prior to their operation. The aim of this study is to explore the association between long preoperative wait times (WT) and acute hospital length of stay (LoS) for primary arthroplasty of the knee and hip. Methods. The study population was obtained from the provincial Patient Access Registry Nova Scotia (PARNS) and the Canadian national hospital Discharge Access Database (DAD). We included primary total knee and hip arthroplasties (TKA, THA) between 2011 and 2017. Patients waiting longer than the recommended 180 days Canadian national standard were compared to patients waiting equal or less than the standard WT. The primary outcome measure was acute LoS postoperatively. Secondarily, patient demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative parameters were correlated with LoS with multivariate regression. Results. A total of 11,833 TKAs and 6,627 THAs were included in the study. Mean WT for TKA was 348 days (1 to 3,605) with mean LoS of 3.6 days (1 to 98). Mean WT for THA was 267 days (1 to 2,015) with mean LoS of 4.0 days (1 to 143). There was a significant increase in mean LoS for TKA waiting longer than 180 days (2.5% (SE 1.1); p = 0.028). There was no significant association for THA. Age, sex, surgical year, admittance from home, rural residence, household income, hospital facility, the need for blood transfusion, and comorbidities were all found to influence LoS. Conclusion. Surgical WT longer than 180 days resulted in increased acute LoS for primary TKA. Meeting a shorter WT target may be cost-saving in a social healthcare system by having shorter LoS. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):679–684

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients on the waiting list for a total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (KA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary aims were to assess whether length of time on the waiting list influenced quality of life and rate of deferral of surgery. Methods. During the study period (August and September 2020) 843 patients (THA n = 394, KA n = 449) from ten centres in the UK reported their EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) scores and completed a waiting list questionnaire (2020 group). Patient demographic details, procedure, and date when listed were recorded. Patients scoring less than zero for their EQ-5D score were defined to be in a health state “worse than death” (WTD). Data from a retrospective cohort (January 2014 to September 2017) were used as the control group. Results. The 2020 group had a significantly worse EQ-5D score compared to the control group for both THA (p < 0.001) and KA (p < 0.001). Over one-third (35.0%, n = 138/394) of patients waiting for a THA and nearly a quarter (22.3%, n = 100/449) for KA were in a health state WTD, which was significantly greater than the control group (odds ratio 2.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83 to 2.93) and 2.08 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.70), respectively; p < 0.001). Over 80% (n = 680/843) of the 2020 group felt that their quality of life had deteriorated while waiting. Each additional month spent on the waiting list was independently associated with a decrease in quality of life (EQ-5D: -0.0135, p = 0.004). There were 117 (13.9%) patients who wished to defer their surgery and the main reason for this was health concerns for themselves and or their family (99.1%, n = 116/117). Conclusion. Over one-third of patients waiting for THA and nearly one-quarter waiting for a KA were in a state WTD, which was approaching double that observed prior to the pandemic. Increasing length of time on the waiting list was associated with decreasing quality of life. Level of evidence: Level III retrospective case control study. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):672–680

Aims. COVID-19 has compounded a growing waiting list problem, with over 4.5 million patients now waiting for planned elective care in the UK. Views of patients on waiting lists are rarely considered in prioritization. Our primary aim was to understand how to support patients on waiting lists by hearing their experiences, concerns, and expectations. The secondary aim was to capture objective change in disability and coping mechanisms. Methods. A minimum representative sample of 824 patients was required for quantitative analysis to provide a 3% margin of error. Sampling was stratified by body region (upper/lower limb, spine) and duration on the waiting list. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of elective orthopaedic waiting list patients with their planned intervention paused due to COVID-19. Analyzed parameters included baseline health, change in physical/mental health status, challenges and coping strategies, preferences/concerns regarding treatment, and objective quality of life (EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2)). Qualitative analysis was performed via the Normalization Process Theory. Results. A total of 888 patients responded. Better health, pain, and mood scores were reported by upper limb patients. The longest waiters reported better health but poorer mood and anxiety scores. Overall, 82% had tried self-help measures to ease symptoms; 94% wished to proceed with their intervention; and 21% were prepared to tolerate deferral. Qualitative analysis highlighted the overall patient mood to be represented by the terms ‘understandable’, ‘frustrated’, ‘pain’, ‘disappointed’, and ‘not happy/depressed’. COVID-19-mandated health and safety measures and technology solutions were felt to be implemented well. However, patients struggled with access to doctors and pain management, quality of life (physical and psychosocial) deterioration, and delay updates. Conclusion. This is the largest study to hear the views of this ‘hidden’ cohort. Our findings are widely relevant to ensure provision of better ongoing support and communication, mostly within the constraints of current resources. In response, we developed a reproducible local action plan to address highlighted issues. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):583–593

Aims. The primary aim was to assess change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients as they waited from six to 12 months for a total hip (THA) or total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess change in joint-specific function, mental health, quality of sleep, number living in a state worse than death (WTD), wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with their healthcare. Methods. This prospective study included 142 patients awaiting a THA (mean age 66.7 years (SD 11.4); 71 female) and 214 patients awaiting KA (mean age 69.7 years (SD 8.7); 117 female). Patients completed questionnaires (EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS/OKS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale, wellbeing assessment, and satisfaction with their healthcare) at six and 12 months while awaiting surgery. Results. There was a clinical and statistically significant deterioration in the EQ-5D while awaiting THA (mean change 0.071 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.018 to 0.124); p = 0.009) and KA (mean change 0.069 (95% CI 0.032 to 0.106); p < 0.001). For patients awaiting a THA, there were deteriorations in OHS (p = 0.003), PSQI (p = 0.008), both HADS depression (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.002), and an increased prevalence in those in a state WTD (p = 0.010). For those awaiting KA, there were significant deteriorations in OKS (p < 0.001), UCLA (p = 0.001), and HADS depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). There were significant decreases in wellbeing (satisfaction with life, feeling life to be worthwhile, and happiness) and increases in anxiety for those awaiting THA or KA (p < 0.001). Those awaiting THA (odds ratio (OR) 0.52 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.89); p = 0.016) and KA (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71); p < 0.001) had a significant decrease in satisfaction with their healthcare. Conclusion. As patients waited from six to 12 months for THA or KA, they experienced a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL. There were also deteriorations in joint-specific function, mental health, wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with healthcare. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):166–173

Currently 180 days is the target maximum wait time set by all Canadian provinces for elective joint replacement surgery. In Nova Scotia however, only 34% of Total Knee Arthroplasties (TKA) and 51% of Total Hip Arthroplasties (THA) met this benchmark in 2017. Surgery performed later in the natural history of disease is shown to have significant impact on pain, function and Health related Quality of Life at the time of surgery and potentially affect post-operative outcomes. The aim of this study is to describe the association between wait time and acute hospital Length of Stay (LOS) during elective hip and knee arthroplasty in province of Nova Scotia. Secondarily we aim to describe risk factors associated with variations in LOS. Data from Patient Access Registry Nova Scotia (PAR-NS) was linked to the hospital Discharge Access Database (DAD) for primary hip and knee arthroplasty spanning 2009 to 2017. There were 23,727 DAD observations and 21,329 PARNS observations identified. Observations were excluded based on missing variables, missing linkages, revision status and emergency cases. Percentage difference in LOS, risk factors and outcomes were analyzed using Poisson regression for those waiting more than 180 days compared to those waiting equal or less than 180 days. For primary TKA, 11,833 observations were identified with mean age of 66 years, mean wait time of 348 days and mean LOS of 3.6 days. After adjusting for controls, patients waiting more than 180 days for elective TKA have a 2.5% longer acute care LOS (p < 0.028). Risk factors identified for prolonged LOS are advanced age, female gender, higher surgical priority indicator, required blood transfusion, dementia, peptic ulcer disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, malignancy, ischemic heart disease and diabetes. Factors associated with decreased LOS are surgical year, use of local anesthetic, peripheral location of hospital and admission to hospital from home. For primary THA, 6626 observations were identified with mean age of 66 years, mean wait time of 267 days and mean LOS of 4 days. Patients waiting more than 180 days for THA did not show a statistically significant association with LOS. Risk factors and protective factors are the same with exception of CVD and use of local anesthetic. Our findings suggest a positive and statistically significant association for patients waiting more than 180 days for TKA and longer acute care LOS. Longer LOS may be due to deteriorating health status while placed on a surgical waitlist and may represent a delayed and indirect cost to the patient and the healthcare system. Ultimately with projected increase in demand for elective joint replacement surgeries, our findings are aimed to inform physicians and policy makers in management of surgical waitlist efficiency and cost effectiveness. For any reader inquiries, please contact . shahriar-s@hotmail.com

Background: Long waiting lists in the NHS are a cause for public concern especially with regards to progressive conditions like scoliosis. We reviewed records to 61 patients to ascertain whether waiting time had any detrimental influence on their surgical management. Methods: Retrospective review. Assessment of clinical records and radiographs of 61 patients who had scoliosis surgery over past two years was done by two independent investigators. Patient demographics, waiting times between referral and outpatient review and waiting time for surgery were collected. Results: There were 41 females and 20 males with mean age of 11.8 years (range, 1– 22 years). Thirty-four patients had thoracic curves (28- right sided), 21 had thoracolumbar curves (19- right sided) and 6 patients had right sided lumbar curves. Mean Cobb angle at presentation was 58° (range,17°–90°) which increased to 71°(range, 30°–120°) at surgery. Average waiting time to be seen in the clinic was 16 months. Average waiting time for surgery was 10 months. Rapid curve progression was seen in twelve patients (20%), of which 10 required more extensive surgery than originally planned. Their mean Cobb angle at presentation was 48° (range, 45°– 80°), which increased to a mean of 59° at surgery (range, 50°–92°). At presentation their Risser grades were: 5 – grade 0, 3- grade 2, 2- grade 4. These 10 patients had waited averagely 7.8 months to be seen in the clinic and for 11 months to have the surgery. Conclusion: Significant curve progression occurred in 20 % of patients waiting to have scoliosis surgery. Ten of those required much more extensive surgery than originally planned. Long waiting times therefore have a detrimental effect on the surgical management of scoliosis patients

Data from the wait list management system and hospital databases was used to develop a computer model simulating the resource requirements required during patient flow into, through, and out of orthopaedic surgery for TKR, THR and knee arthroscopy. Results from the simulation model suggested that inpatient beds, rather than operating room time was the constraining resource and an extra twenty-five beds and 30% more OR time would stabilize and subsequently reduce the wait time at the institution. In addition, simulations suggested that pooling surgeon wait lists reduced patient wait time. Simulation models are an effective resource allocation decision-making tool for orthopaedic surgery. To develop and implement a wait list simulation model to analyze the existing system and guide resource allocation decision-making at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. The simulation model suggests an immediate increase in inpatient surgical beds from sixty-six to ninety-one followed by a 30% increase in OR time in thirty months to stabilize and subsequently reduce patient wait times. Simulations showed that pooling surgeon waiting lists reduced patient wait time, however, dividing orthopaedics resources among two facilities had little effect. Adding twenty-five beds reduced the wait time growth rate substantially, but not to zero, while adding fifty beds reduced the wait time growth rate to zero. Adding twenty-five beds and 30% more OR time had the same result as adding fifty beds. Simulation models can be effective for guiding resource allocation decisions for orthopaedic surgery. Recommendations based on the wait list simulation model results were immediately adopted by the provincial Department of Health. A simulation model of the orthopaedic surgery system at the institution was created using Arena simulation software. Empirical statistical distributions were developed based on Wait List Management System and administrative data to assign values to model variables: number of patient referrals seen per office session; proportion of patient referrals actually converting to a surgery booking; type of procedure required; admission status; time required for surgery; and length of stay. The model was tested, and validated. Several scenarios with adjusted levels of resources variables (OR time, number of surgeons, length of stay, inpatient bed availability) were simulated

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(12):890–892.

A centralized wait list management system (WLMS) for TKR, THR and knee arthroscopy was developed to collect accurate data on parameters of patients’ wait for surgery. A priority metric rating patient priority was implemented. Data from hospital enterprise systems related to aspects of patients’ wait for surgery was collected and imported. Patients’ functional status was significantly worse than population norms, they were adversely affected while waiting and are unsatisfied with their access to surgery. Traffic ratios (ratio of booked to completed surgeries) exceed the maximum value for a stable wait list and the waits for surgery exceed national and international recommendations for maximum wait-times. To develop and implement a WLMS for TKR, THR and knee arthroscopy to enable the accurate and efficient collection of data on size of list, rate of list growth, rate surgeries are performed, health and functional status of patients, and surgeon rated priority. Patients are adversely affected while waiting and are unsatisfied with the length of their wait. Traffic ratios exceed the maximum value for a stable waitlist. The priority metric has face validity for rating patient acuity. SF36 and WOMAC scores were three to four standard deviations worse than the population norm, over 50% of patients felt wait time would negatively affect outcome, 80% felt waits should be twelve months or less, and over 50% were unsatisfied with access to surgery. VAS scores were normally distributed with good face validity. Wait times are one hundred and thirty to three hundred days for arthroplasty and ninety to four hundred days for arthroscopy. Traffic ratios are 0.9 for arthroplasty and 1.5 for arthroscopy. Prospective outcomes with respect to the wait list will allow determination of minimum acceptable wait times from administrative, surgeon and patient perspectives. Accurate and reliable collection of wait list data provides a sound basis for future decision-making. Surgery bookings were centralized. A priority metric based on a visual analog scale (VAS) with a single question asking the surgeon to rate the patient priority was implemented. A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted. Data from hospital enterprise systems related to aspects of patients’ wait for surgery was collected and imported into the WLMS

A centralized wait list management system (WLMS) for TKR, THR and knee arthroscopy was developed to collect accurate data on parameters of patients’ wait for surgery. A priority metric rating patient priority was implemented. Data from hospital enterprise systems related to aspects of patients’ wait for surgery was collected and imported. Patients’ functional status was significantly worse than population norms, they were adversely affected while waiting and are unsatisfied with their access to surgery. Traffic ratios (ratio of booked to completed surgeries) exceed the maximum value for a stable wait list and the waits for surgery exceed national and international recommendations for maximum wait-times. To develop and implement a WLMS for TKR, THR and knee arthroscopy to enable the accurate and efficient collection of data on size of list, rate of list growth, rate surgeries are performed, health and functional status of patients, and surgeon rated priority. Patients are adversely affected while waiting and are unsatisfied with the length of their wait. Traffic ratios exceed the maximum value for a stable waitlist. The priority metric has face validity for rating patient acuity. SF36 and WOMAC scores were three to four standard deviations worse than the population norm, over 50% of patients felt wait time would negatively affect outcome, 80% felt waits should be twelve months or less, and over 50% were unsatisfied with access to surgery. VAS scores were normally distributed with good face validity. Wait times are one hundred and thirty to three hundred days for arthroplasty and ninety to four hundred days for arthroscopy. Traffic ratios are 0.9 for arthroplasty and 1.5 for arthroscopy. Prospective outcomes with respect to the wait list will allow determination of minimum acceptable wait times from administrative, surgeon and patient perspectives. Accurate and reliable collection of wait list data provides a sound basis for future decision-making. Surgery bookings were centralized. A priority metric based on a visual analog scale (VAS) with a single question asking the surgeon to rate the patient priority was implemented. A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted. Data from hospital enterprise systems related to aspects of patients’ wait for surgery was collected and imported into the WLMS

The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of severity, wait times and patient perspective on outcomes and to create an eivdence-based prioritization tool. Patients who received a primary hip or knee replacement were followed forward from decision date for surgery to one-year follow-up (N = 4437) and outcomes assessed according to baseline severity. At decision date for surgery, patient baseline severity was captured using the WOMAC disability questionnaire. Twelve to eighteen months after surgery, a questionnaire (WOMAC, satisfaction) was sent to patients to compare pre- and post-operative data. The chance of a good outcome from TJR surgery gets worse as wait times get longer. Baseline severity affects outcome more than wait times. Patients with a baseline WOMAC less then 30/100 should have surgery within three months (20% patients) If surgery cannot be done within three months, then three priority levels are recommended: Priority I – One month maximum: catastrophic hip or knee joint conditions – complications that are an immediate threat to independence. Priority II – three months maximum: extreme pain and disability because of hip or knee joint condition that will be a threat to role and independence within three months (baseline WOMAC less than or equal to 30/100). Priority III – six months maximum: severe pain or disability because of hip or knee joint condition, but role and independence not threatened (baseline WOMAC over 30/100). The priority levels and wait time thresholds recommended in this study are the result of an analysis of pre-operative severity scores, the length of the wait and post-operative outcomes and are consistent with data from other sources

To evaluate the effect of wait time to surgery on patient derived generic and disease-specific functional outcome following lumbar surgery. Study cohort of seventy patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar spinal surgery for degenerative conditions. Prospectively collected SF-36 and Oswestry Disability questionnaires administered preoperatively, six weeks, six months, one year postoperatively. Time intervals from onset of symptoms to initial consultation by family physician through investigations, spinal surgical consultation and time spent on the surgical waiting list to surgery quantified. Time intervals compared to patient-specific improvements in reported outcome following surgery using Cox-Regression analysis. The effect of patient and surgical parameters on wait time was evaluated using median time as a reference for patients with either a longer or shorter wait. Patient follow-up completed in fifty-three (76%). Improvements in patient derived outcome were observed comparing post-operative to pre-operative baseline scores (p< 0.05). The greatest improvements were observed in aspects relating to physical function and pain. A longer wait to surgery was associated with less improvement in surgical outcome (p< 0.05, SF-36 domains BP, GH, RP, VT, and Physical Component Scores). The greatest impact observed was a prolonged surgical wait-list time on SF-36 PCS scores following surgery (Hazard’s ratio 3.53). Patients requiring spinal fusion had a longer wait when compared to those not requiring fusion (p< 0.05). A longer wait time to spinal surgery can negatively influence surgical results as quantified by patient derived functional outcome measures. Surgery resulted in the greatest improvement in pain severity and physical aspects of function, however, these areas also appeared the most impacted by a longer wait to surgery

Purpose: Reducing wait times for total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) joint arthroplasty is a Canadian health care priority. Models that maximise the capacity of advanced practice clinicians (nurses, physical therapists, sports medicine specialists) have been established to streamline care. Hospitals across the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network in Ontario collaborated to establish a Regional Joint Assessment Centre (RJAC). This study was designed to profile patients deemed suitable for surgical review, and to examine wait times for THA or TKA in RJAC patients compared to those referred directly to an orthopaedic surgeon’s office. Method: Patients referred to the RJAC between July 2007 and August 2008 with knee or hip OA were included. Self-reported function was evaluated using the Oxford Hip and Knee Score that is scored out of 60 (higher scores reflect greater disability). Time to surgery was measured as the number of days from initial review to surgery. Group one consisted of patients that were referred to the RJAC while group two was comprised of patients who were referred directly to a surgeon’s office. Patient characteristics were examined using univariate analyses. Independent t-tests were used to examine between group differences. Results: One hundred thirty-six patients (mean±sd: 68±2 years, body mass index 31±6 kg/m2, 83 females) with 150 hip and/or knee joint problems were reviewed in the RJAC. Of those, only 33% (45/136 patients) were deemed suitable for surgical review. Self-reported function (Oxford Scores) in the group requiring surgical review was significantly worse (40±7, p=0.03) than in those patients deemed unsuitable for surgical review (37±9). The RJAC group waited on average 130 days for THA and 129 days for TKA (below the provincial target of 182 days) while those referred directly to the surgeons’ offices waited significantly longer (194 days for THA and 206 days for TKA, p< 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with hip and knee OA who require surgical review have worse self-reported function than those triaged to conservative care. Wait times for THA or TKA were significantly shorter for patients referred to the RJAC under the new model of care than for those referred directly to an orthopaedic surgeon’s office

Purpose: Total hip and knee replacements are recognized as effective surgical interventions for severe arthritis. Increasing demand for these services has led to increasing waits for both consultation and surgery. The Alberta Orthopaedic Society, with the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute, the Calgary Health Region, the Capital Health Region, the David Thompson Health Region and Alberta Health and Wellness carried out an analysis and an evidence based redesign of the care continuum for hip and knee replacement surgery in an effort to reduce wait times and improve the quality of service for patients. Method: The study design was a randomized, controlled trial. Consenting subjects were randomized to receive care through either the new care continuum or the existing “current conventional approach”. Results: During the 12 month study, 1570 patients received surgery. The mean wait for an orthopaedic consultation for intervention patients was 106 days compared to 200 days for the control patients. The mean wait for hip or knee surgery for intervention patients was 157 days compared to 408 for the control patients. Further analysis of the data using a generalized linear model utilizing negative binomial regression indicated that several patient characteristics were associated with a shorter/longer wait times. The less the severity of the disease pre-surgery was associated with a longer wait for a consult (IRR=1.01, p=< 0.001). Longer waits for surgery were statistically associated with less disease severity (IRR=1.004, P=0.019), documented delay (due to non-arthritic medical concerns or patient request for delay, IRR=1.61, p=< 0.001), increased comorbidity (IRR=1.03, p=0.015), and smoking (IRR=1.30, p=0.020). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that a redesigned joint replacement new care continuum with a standardized primary care referral process to centralized, specialized joint replacement clinics without established backlogs can help reduce wait times in Canada

Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of inflammatory parameters normalization and/or increased time between stages necessary in predicting healing and preventing infection recurrence. Method. We retrospectively studied all cases of total hip and knee arthroplasty that underwent revision for infection in our institution between 2011 and 2014. We revised the clinical and laboratory information from 55 patients (27 hips: 28 knees) with a mean age of 68 years. The average values before the first stage were 88.6 mm/h (15–134) and 59.1 mg/L (2–279) for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and C-reactive protein(CRP) serum respectively. In 10 cases (18.2%) it was not possible to perform the second stage. Moreover, in the other 45 cases of re- arthroplasty, the mean follow-up was 32 months (1 year). Results. Among the 45 cases in which the two stages were completed, only 3(6.7%) had recurrence of infection. No significant differences between the two groups regarding the absolute values of ESR and/or CRP before the second stage or variation between the first and second stage of revision were seen. Interestingly, in the group of cases where there was recurrence of infection, the average values of CPR and ESR before the second stage were even lower: 6.0 vs. 11.8 mg/L and 19.3 vs. 28.7 mm/h respectively. Analysing the temporal influence on the recurrence rate, we find that the 17 cases in which the second stage was performed in less than 90 days, there were no recurrences. The three recurrences occurred in the group of patients with an interval > 90 days (3/28 – 11%). Conclusions. Knowing when to perform the second stage safely is one of the most difficult decision in two-stage procedures. Tradition mandates waiting for complete normalization of inflammatory parameters sometimes for a long period of time in order to identify cases at risk. However, this approach involves an increased disability time and significant quality of life decrease for patients and lacks adequate scientific support. This study confirms that this traditional approach does not increase the chances of success. The authors argue that there is no advantage in waiting for the normalization of inflammatory parameters before advancing to the second stage time and this practice should be definitively abandoned