153 The Patient Perspective on Day Case Arthroplasty

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Day Case Arthroplasty has been validated as a safe strategy for reducing length of stay for patients undergoing elective arthroplasty. With the ongoing recovery of elective activities following the COVID pandemic and long waiting lists; day case arthroplasty offers a solution for both hospitals and patients. Reducing length of stay will reduce the cost of day case arthroplasty which benefits hospitals, whilst the faster discharge reduces unnecessary exposure to an increased risk of COVID for patients. This study aims to establish the patient perspective on day case arthroplasty to inform the set-up of a patient cantered day case arthroplasty service. Method Data was collected at routine preoperative assessment clinics via a structured questionnaire which combined both quantitative and qualitative methods. The questionnaire covered patient demographics, issues pertaining to same-day discharge, level of concern related to common problems faced by patients after joint replacement surgery and patient preference for same day discharge versus more traditional rehabilitation methods. Results The study included 79 patients with 43% preferring same day discharge. Postoperative pain, surgical complications and wound healing were the most significant concerns elicited. Patients who preferred same day discharge were statistically younger. The majority of patients felt that their rehabilitation could be completed at home. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the demand for day case arthroplasty in this cohort of patients with younger patients preferring same day discharge. Identifying significant concerns will be important to formulate effective perioperative protocols to ensure successful implementation of a patient cantered day case arthroplasty service.