Can technology optimise the pre-operative pathway for elective hip and knee replacement surgery: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare technology
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Digital health

Background:

• Increasing demand for hip and knee replacements due to an aging population.
• Pre-operative pathways face significant delays and cancellations.
• Virtual healthcare technologies offer potential solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore healthcare professionals' opinions on virtual technologies in the orthopaedic pre-operative pathway.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing these technologies.
• To foster a unified approach for technological integration.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews with 16 key stakeholders in the orthopaedic pre-operative pathway.
• Analysis of interview data to identify themes and categories.
• Exploration of various virtual technologies, their uses, benefits, and challenges.

Main Results:

• E-forms identified as high-reward, low-risk.
• M-health viewed positively for its comprehensive nature.
• Feasibility concerns for remote monitoring and teleconsultations.
• Digital illiteracy noted as a consistent barrier.

Conclusions:

• M-health and E-forms are the most promising virtual technologies for orthopaedic pre-operative pathways.
• Pre-operative assessment, triaging, and prehabilitation are key areas for virtual intervention.
• Future research should include patient perspectives and implementation barriers.