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Implementation and Evaluation of a Remote, Questionnaire-Based Model for Monitoring Patients Following Hip or Knee
Stephen D Gill1,2,3, Hugh Gillies2,3, Sally Beattie1,3
1Orthopaedic Department, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
|October 20, 2025
Summary
Remote monitoring after joint replacement surgery is preferred by patients but has lower response rates than in-person visits. This method is inefficient for detecting reoperation complications, which are usually found in emergency departments or general practice.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Patient Monitoring
- Health Outcomes
Background:
- Long-term follow-up benefits post-hip and knee joint replacement are debated.
- A questionnaire-based remote monitoring model was evaluated.
- Key outcomes included response rates, patient acceptability, and identification of reoperation needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a remote, questionnaire-based follow-up model for joint replacement patients.
- To compare remote follow-up with traditional in-person appointments.
- To determine if remote review identifies patients requiring reoperation.
Main Methods:
- A 7-year study at an Australian teaching hospital.
- Hard-copy questionnaires sent at 1, 5, 8 years, then biennially.
- Assessed patient concerns, need for orthopedic review, and preferences for remote vs. in-person follow-up.
Main Results:
- 1-year response rate was 69.3%, lower than historical in-person rates (82.7%).
- 62.1% of patients preferred remote follow-up.
- Remote review identified only 5 of 116 reoperations; most complications were identified by emergency departments or general practice.
Conclusions:
- Remote follow-up aligns with patient preferences but yields lower response rates.
- Routine remote review is an inefficient method for detecting reoperation complications.
- Emergency departments and general practice are primary sources for identifying post-surgery complications requiring reoperation.
