Stakeholder perspectives on short-stay joint replacement programs: results from a national cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Healthcare management
• Patient care models

Background:

• Growing demand for joint replacement necessitates efficient care models.
• Short-stay joint replacement programs are underutilized internationally.
• Critical challenges for large-scale implementation remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate stakeholder perspectives on short-stay joint replacement programs.
• Identify barriers and enablers for implementation and sustainability.
• Understand current practices in Australia.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed four key stakeholder groups: health professionals, administrators, patients, and carers.
• Collected data on feasibility, appeal, current practices, barriers, and enablers via an online platform.
• Utilized visual analogue scales, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions for data collection.

Main Results:

• 1,445 participants provided data; implementation feasibility was moderate for health professionals and administrators.
• Patients found short-stay programs moderately appealing, while carers had little appeal.
• Key barriers included perceived inappropriateness, insufficient home support, and funding issues; enablers included post-discharge services and national standards.

Conclusions:

• This study provides a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder view of short-stay joint replacement programs.
• Findings offer guidance for quality improvement and implementation initiatives.
• Results will aid in developing resources to support all involved parties.