Improving resource utilisation and outcomes after total knee arthroplasty through technology-enabled patient engagement.

Improving resource utilisation and outcomes after total knee arthroplasty through technology-enabled patient engagement.

Higgins et al. Improving resource utilisation and outcomes after total knee arthroplasty through technology-enabled patient engagement. Knee. 2019 Nov 22. pii: S0968-0160(19)30232-7. 

What is already known:

Pre-operative preparation of the patient is a vital aspect of a successful ERAS pathway with education being a crucial component. Improved pre-operative patient education can, independently, improve post-operative outcomes.

What this paper adds:

The authors describe the introduction of a digital platform available to patients having total knee arthroplasty as part of a pre-existing ERAS programme. This included general information on health and wellbeing, online contact system for patients to interact with their care provider, exercise videos and a joint school delivered by occupational therapists and physiotherapists. The group found improved outcomes in the intervention group with a reduced length of stay, reduced reoperation rate and improved PROMs including ED-5D index and EQ VAS scores. This study strongly suggests that the use of additional platforms and engaging with technology enables patients to better prepare themselves for surgery thus improving outcomes.

Ben Morrison, Guildford @blouism