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Effect of a PA-led arthritis center on hip and knee osteoarthritis care
McKayla Kelly1, Jacob Aja, Justin Turcotte
1At Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Md., McKayla Kelly is a research fellow, in the Department of Orthopedics, Jacob Aja practices in the Department of Orthopedics, Justin Turcotte is director of research in the departments of orthopedics and surgery, and James MacDonald is a surgeon in the Department of Orthopedics. Dr. MacDonald discloses that he is a paid consultant or supplier for Smith and Nephew and receives research support from Depuy, Promotus, and Smith and Nephew. The authors have disclosed no other potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of an arthritis center on patient care and operational throughput.
Methods:
A single-institution, retrospective review was conducted of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis from January 2016 to October 2019. Our physician assistant (PA) led arthritis center opened in November 2017, and manages nonoperative treatment of osteoarthritis by formulating individualized treatment plans. Descriptive and inferential statistics comparing operational measures, treatment patterns, and patient satisfaction pre- and postcenter opening were performed.
Results:
Overall patient volume, new patient volume, and the proportion of new patients seen increased after the arthritis center opened. Encounters per patient and clinicians seen per patient decreased, while the rate of injections and surgery increased. Patient satisfaction improved after opening of the arthritis center.
Conclusions:
The establishment of a dedicated PA-led arthritis center is associated with improved access to care, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
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