Radical solution or risky bet: Is short-stay joint replacements the answer to elective surgery backlogs?

MedTech & Diagnostics News: A new study reveals potential savings of millions to the healthcare system while alleviating the burden of overcrowded elective surgery waitlists for the country’s aging population.

A non-government funder of health services research, the HCF Research Foundation, launched the findings that call for the adoption of rapid recovery joint replacement surgery programs, already proven successful internationally but not yet widely utilised in Australia.

With an estimated 120,000 hip and knee replacements performed in Australia each year, a figure projected to double by 2030, the nation’s aging population combined with pandemic-related restrictions on elective surgeries threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system in the coming years.

Julie Andrews, HCF’s Chief Officer of Member Health, emphasised the urgent need for innovative solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of Australia’s healthcare sector.

“Rapid recovery surgery programs have seen success in many countries but are not widely practiced here in Australia. This study provides compelling evidence that short-stay joint replacement programs are not only safe but also make efficient use of scarce health resources, potentially leading to significant savings for our healthcare system,” she said.

The research indicates that the new model of joint replacement care could yield savings of up to $641 million over the next seven years, with potential cost reductions of up to $1,400 per joint replacement procedure by 2030.

However, another study led by Dr Natasha Reid, a research fellow and clinical epidemiologist at the Centre for Health Services Research at the University of Queensland, along with her colleagues Thakeru Gamage, Dr Stephen Duckett, and Professor Leonard Gray, analysed hospitalisation data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

“It’s becoming evident that we can’t further reduce hospital stays using the existing healthcare models,” warned Dr Reid. With the number of people aged 65 and above surpassing those under 5 years for the first time in history, the strain on Australia’s healthcare system is undeniable.

“We need to start exploring innovative solutions to alleviate the pressure on our acute care sector,” urged Dr Reid. Among the potential strategies she proposed are embracing technology, such as mobile health and remote monitoring, and investing in health promotion initiatives.

Professor Ilana Ackerman from Monash University, led the HCF funded study in collaboration with health economists Professor Zanfina Ademi and Dr Melanie Lloyd.

“We have identified key enablers for translating these practices into policies and procedures. The hard evidence we have gathered suggests that adopting short-stay joint replacement programs at a national level could result in substantial returns on investment for the healthcare system and its funders, provided we address the identified barriers,” said Professor Ackerman.

Ms Andrews highlighted the importance of remaining at the forefront of healthcare innovation as the demand for joint replacements is projected to soar due to an aging population, increased life expectancy, and higher obesity rates. The goal is to provide Australians with access to affordable, safe, and convenient out-of-hospital care options.

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