Evaluation of preoperative arthroplasty Near-Me clinics - clinicians perspective

Webinar on Orthopedics, Osteoporosis, Rheumatology & Trauma Care

March 15, 2022 | Webinar

Lokesh Chawla

Golden Jubilee National Hospital, UK

ScientificTracks Abstracts: J Orthop Trauma Surg Rel Res

Abstract :

Introduction: Orthopaedic Near-Me clinic - a novel preoperative video interaction with patients online - was implemented with the idea of safe ‘hospital distancing’ care during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Between 14 July 2020 and 01 December 2020, questionnaire-based clinicians’ feedback (N=100) was prospectively collected from preoperative elective arthroplasty Near-Me consultations at our hospital. Results: Feedback from 100 consultations included 43 males and 57 female patients with a mean age and consultation time of 67.55 years (46 to 89) and 22.87 minutes (10 to 80) respectively. 61% patients used either a tablet or a laptop (31% and 30% respectively), while 20% used a smart phone and 13% used a desktop. Only 3 consultations had clinic side set-back. 70% had no patient side set back while the rest had either audio (11), video (5) or both Audio Video (10) set back. No statistical correlation was found between setback and device used (p=0.260) or presence of assistance (p=0.431). However, patients aged over 80 years fared less well (p=0.046). 81 were added to waiting list, 1 was discharged, 2 were referred to allied speciality, 6 were called for a face to face review. Clinicians were very satisfied (21%) or satisfied (55%) in 76% of the consultations. No significant correlation was found between the device used and satisfaction rate (p = 0.443). Common reasons for poor satisfaction were technical issues, poor space, lighting, navigation during examination and need for clinical examination. Conclusion: More than 3/4th of the consultations had positive clinician satisfaction. Majority of the dissatisfaction was due to technical issues at the patients’ end. We feel the discussed challenges may be addressed by prior vetting of clinic and addition of “dummy” demonstration video of a clinic consultation for patient education.

Biography :

Lokesh Chawla is a Senior clinical fellow, trauma and Orthopaedics. He interests are Lower limb arthroplasty (including Robotics), advanced trauma Qualifications: MS Orthopaedics, DNB Orthopaedics. Previous employer: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen (August 2019 to July 2021). Current Employer: Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow.