AB263. Expectations of waiting times for joint arthroplasty in an Irish hospital

Background: Information regarding the exact waiting time for an elective joint arthroplasty (total hip replacement and total knee replacement) is not widely available. Thus far, there is no published data as regards the waiting time from general practitioner (GP) referral to being seen by orthopaedic consultant, nor is there information on the the waiting time from booking of elective joint arthroplasty to day of surgery. This study aims to assess the different perceptions and expectations of waiting times among consultants, non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), patients, orthopaedic nursing staff and GPs in the catchment area of this Irish hospital.

Methods: A service evaluation questionnaire was answered by 20 consultants, 20 NCHDs, 20 members of orthopaedic nursing staff, 20 GPs in the catchment area of this Irish hospital, and 20 patients attending an orthopaedic outpatient clinic above the age of 18 and with no past history of joint arthroplasty. GPs were contacted over the phone with an option of filling up the questionnaire over the phone or via email. All other participants of this service evaluation answered the questionnaire in the presence of the authors of this study. The questionnaire includes the perception of what the actual waiting times are, and what is a reasonable waiting time. Participants were also required to arrange in the order of decreasing importance which factors were thought to be most impactful on waiting times.

Results: Data collection and analysis of this study is still in progress.

Conclusions: Work in progress.

Keywords: Expectations; joint arthoplasty; total hip replacement; total knee replacement; waiting times