1
|
Vaishya R, Gupta BM, Kappi MM, Mamdapur GMN, Vaish A. Global research output and highly-cited publications on prosthetic joint infections: A bibliometric analysis (2003-2022). J Clin Orthop Trauma 2024; 50:102373. [PMID: 38450413 PMCID: PMC10914558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2024.102373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgroundand aims Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) is a serious clinical problem after Arthroplasty. The research field on PJI is emerging, but there is a paucity of information on the most impactful publications on it. This prompted us to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the global research output, from 2003 to 2022, to identify the growth of publications, the key players in this research field and to evaluate the characteristics of highly-cited publications (HCPs) on the PJI. Methods Publications related to PJI research were identified globally from the Scopus database, using specific keywords, covering the literature from 2003 to 2022. The HCPs were considered those with 100 or more citations. Information on publication year, citation count, funding sources, title, author, journal, country, institution, research area, and strategic keywords were collected from these HCPs. Publication data was imported into Microsoft Excel and analyzed further using VOSviewer and R software. Results There were 182 HCPs (3.12%), which received a total citation of 124701 (average CPP of 21.41), with the citation range from 100 to 1921. Research articles were the most predominant publications (69.2%), but their average citations per paper (CPP) of 189.78 was lower than that of Review articles (average CPP: 253.17). The USA has been the leading country in terms of total publications (31.58%), and HCPs (36.99%), followed by Switzerland, Spain, UK and China. There were no HCPs from developing countries. J. Parvizi of Thomas Jefferson University, USA (with a total publications of 31 and an average CPP of 315.7), and W. Zimmerli of Basel University, Switzerland (with a TP of 11 and an average CPP of 341.9), were the most productive and impactful authors in PJI global research output. Conclusion This bibliometric analysis identified the most productive and impactful authors, organizations, countries, and journals in the research of PJI, of the last two decades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raju Vaishya
- Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, 110076, India
| | | | - Mallikarjun M. Kappi
- Library and Information Centre, Government First Grade College, Hosapete, 583201, Vijayanagara (Dist), Karnataka, India
| | - Ghouse Modin Nabeesab Mamdapur
- Department of Library and Information Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhishek Vaish
- Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, 110076, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The impact of waiting time for orthopaedic consultation on pain levels in individuals with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:1561-1574. [PMID: 35961505 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Time spent waiting for access to orthopaedic specialist health services has been suggested to result in increased pain in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA). We assessed whether time spent on an orthopaedic waiting list resulted in a detrimental effect on pain levels in patients with knee or hip OA. METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and EBSCOhost databases from inception until September 2021. Eligible articles included individuals with OA on an orthopaedic waitlist and not receiving active treatment, and reported pain measures at two or more time points. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled effect of waiting time on pain levels. Meta-regression was used to determine predictors of effect size. RESULTS Thirty-three articles were included (n = 2,490 participants, 67 ± 3 years and 62% female). The range of waiting time was 2 weeks to 2 years (20.8 ± 18.8 weeks). There was no significant change in pain over time (effect size = 0.082, 95% CI = -0.009, 0.172), nor was the length of time associated with longitudinal changes in pain over time (β = 0.004, 95% CI = -0.005, 0.012). Body mass index was a significant predictor of pain (β = -0.043, 95% CI = -0.079, 0.006), whereas age and sex were not. CONCLUSIONS Pain remained stable for up to 1 year in patients with OA on an orthopaedic waitlist. Future research is required to understand whether pain increases in patients waiting longer than 1 year.
Collapse
|
3
|
Leversedge C, Castro S, Appiani LMC, Kamal R, Shapiro L. Patient Follow-up After Orthopaedic Outreach Trips - Do We Know Whether Patients are Improving? World J Surg 2022; 46:2299-2309. [PMID: 35764890 PMCID: PMC9436850 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06630-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background The burden of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries falls greatest on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To help address this burden, organizations host over 6,000 outreach trips annually, 20% of which are orthopaedic. Monitoring post-surgical outcomes is critical to ensuring care quality; however, the implementation of such monitoring is unknown. The purpose of this review is to identify published follow-up practices of short-term orthopaedic surgery outreach trips to LMICs.
Methods We completed a systematic review of Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ProQuest following PRISMA guidelines. Follow-up method, rate, duration, and types of outcomes measured along with barriers to follow-up were collected and reported. Results The initial search yielded 1,452 articles, 18 of which were eligible. The mean follow-up time was 5.4 months (range: 15 days-7 years). The mean follow-up rate was 65.8% (range: 22%-100%), the weighted rate was 57.5%. Fifteen studies reported follow-up at or after 3 months while eight studies reported follow-up at or after 9 months. Fifteen studies reported follow-up in person, three reported follow-up via phone call or SMS. Outcome reporting varied among mortality, complications, and patient-reported outcomes. The majority (75%) outlined barriers to follow-up, most commonly noting transportation and costs of follow-up to the patient. Conclusions There is minimal and heterogeneous public reporting of patient outcomes and follow-up after outreach trips to LMICs, limiting quality assessment and improvement. Future work should address the design and implementation of tools and guidelines to improve follow-up as well as outcome measurement to ensure provision of high-quality care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-022-06630-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Leversedge
- Stanford School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VOICES Health Policy Research Center, 450 Broadway St, Redwood City, CA 94306 USA
| | - Samuel Castro
- Stanford School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305 USA
| | - Luis Miguel Castro Appiani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Clinica Biblica Aveinda, 14 Calle 1 Y Central, San José, Costa Rica USA
| | - Robin Kamal
- Stanford School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VOICES Health Policy Research Center, 450 Broadway St, Redwood City, CA 94306 USA
| | - Lauren Shapiro
- School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics, University of California San Francisco, 1500 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shapiro LM, Park MO, Mariano DJ, Welch JM, Kamal RN. Candidate Quality Measures for Orthopaedic Surgery Outreach Trips: A Systematic Review. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2021; 29:e1068-e1077. [PMID: 34525479 PMCID: PMC8443848 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Up to 30% of the global burden of disease is secondary to surgical conditions, most of which falls on those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Ensuring that the quality of care delivered during outreach trips to address these conditions is foundational. Limited work has been done to develop and implement tools to assess and improve the quality of care for these trips. The purpose of this study was to identify candidate quality measures that address orthopaedic surgery outreach trips in LMICs. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other databases to identify candidate quality measures relevant to orthopaedic surgery outreach to LMICs. Quality measures were then categorized by system management, sustainability, or both system management and sustainability according to the framework and structures, processes, and outcomes of Bido et al according to the Donabedian domains. RESULTS Our initial search yielded 3,891 articles, 22 of which met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-nine candidate quality measures were identified. Regarding the framework of Bido et al, 55 of 79 (70%) were related to system management, 8 (10%) were related to sustainability, and 16 (20%) were related to both system management and sustainability. According to Donabedian domains, 43 of 79 (54%) were structure measures, 25 (32%) were process measures, and 11 (14%) were outcome measures. DISCUSSION Quality measures addressing orthopaedic surgery outreach trips are lacking in quantity and breadth, limiting the ability to assess and improve the safety and quality of care provided. The candidate quality measures identified disproportionately focus on systems management and structures, with few related to sustainability and few addressing outcomes. Patients receiving care on outreach trips would benefit from the implementation of the measures identified in this review and from the development of quality measures that capture all domains of care and emphasize outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Shapiro
- From VOICES Health Policy Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sinclair ST, McConaghy KM, Emara AK, Klika AK, Piuzzi NS. Reporting of Comorbidities in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Clinical Literature: A Systematic Review. JBJS Rev 2021; 9:01874474-202109000-00005. [PMID: 35417434 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.21.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of comorbid disease remain an area of interest. Concurrent diagnoses not only affect clinical outcomes but also affect health-care reimbursement. As the rate of arthroplasty increases, consistent risk stratification is imperative. Therefore, our aim was to ascertain how comorbidities have been reported in the recent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA)-related literature; we also wanted to quantify the use of comorbidity scores for the assessment of comorbid disease in arthroplasty research. METHODS A systematic review of the recent THA and TKA literature that was published between January 1, 2019, and September 21, 2020, was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases. Clinical studies that provided data on comorbidities were evaluated for method of comorbidity reporting. The prevalence of comorbidity reporting was assessed, and the manner of reporting was analyzed. RESULTS Among 659 articles, a total of 207 studies (31.4%) reported comorbidities and met our inclusion criteria. Of the 207 studies that reported comorbidities, only 57% used a comorbidity index to report comorbid disease. Of all of the indices, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System was the score that was most commonly used (TKA, 86.2%; THA, 83.3%). Additional scores were used at varying frequencies. For TKA, the scores included the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (15.5%); the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification (3.4%); and the CCI-Deyo (adapted by Deyo et al.), the age-adjusted CCI, the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), and the Readmission Risk Assessment Tool (RRAT) (1.7% each). For THA, the scores included the CCI (16.7%), the Elixhauser Comorbidity Measure (ECM) (6.7%), and the CCI-Deyo (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS Considering the impact of comorbid disease on outcomes, complications, and, ultimately, reimbursement, standardized risk stratification in arthroplasty is necessary. Current studies demonstrate inconsistent comorbidity reporting, making it challenging to further characterize the impact of comorbidities on outcomes. Future research should target the development of a standardized data-driven model for comorbidity assessment in the orthopaedic patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- SaTia T Sinclair
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kara M McConaghy
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ahmed K Emara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alison K Klika
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nicolas S Piuzzi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hu DA, Harold RE, de Cândida Soares Pereira E, Trindade Cavalcante E, Paula Mariz da Silveira Barros M, Nunes Medeiros de Souza S, Souza J, Brander VA, Stulberg SD. Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Low-Resource Country by a Visiting Surgical Team. Arthroplast Today 2021; 10:41-45. [PMID: 34307809 PMCID: PMC8283035 DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a highly successful procedure but limited in many low-resource nations. In response, organizations globally have conducted service trips to provide arthroplasty care to underserved populations. Few outcomes data are currently available related to these trips. Our study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of tracking patient-reported outcomes and complications after THA in a low-resource setting and that outcomes are comparable to those in developed countries. METHODS We completed an arthroplasty service trip to Brazil in 2017 where we performed 46 THAs on 38 patients. The mean patient age was 48.8 years. Forty-seven percent were female. Patient-reported outcome scores were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 2, 6, and 12 weeks and 1 year. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify associations between patient factors and 12-week outcomes. RESULTS The mean modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Short Form (PROMIS-SF) Pain Interference, and PROMIS-SF Physical Function all improved significantly compared to baseline at 2, 6, and 12 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. At 1 year, only 29% of patients (11 of 38) were reachable by phone for follow-up.Multivariate regression analysis at 12 weeks found that females had more improvement in Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement scores (P = .003) and PROMIS-SF Pain Interference scores (P = .01) than males, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis had more improvement in PROMIS-SF Pain Interference scores (P = .008) compared with all other diagnoses. CONCLUSION Patients in low-resource countries benefitted significantly from THA performed by a visiting surgical team. However, following up patients is difficult in low-resource countries once they leave the hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan E. Harold
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Julio Souza
- Hospital Dom Helder Câmara, Cabo de Santo Agostinho, PE, Brazil
| | - Victoria A. Brander
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - S. David Stulberg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dainty JR, Smith TO, Clark EM, Whitehouse MR, Price AJ, MacGregor AJ. Trajectories of pain and function in the first five years after total hip and knee arthroplasty : an analysis of patient reported outcome data from the National Joint Registry. Bone Joint J 2021; 103-B:1111-1118. [PMID: 34058866 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.103b6.bjj-2020-1437.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the trajectories of patient reported pain and functional disability over five years following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS A prospective, longitudinal cohort sub-study within the National Joint Registry (NJR) was undertaken. In all, 20,089 patients who underwent primary THA and 22,489 who underwent primary TKA between 2009 and 2010 were sent Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) questionnaires at six months, and one, three, and five years postoperatively. OHS and OKS were disaggregated into pain and function subscales. A k-means clustering procedure assigned each patient to a longitudinal trajectory group for pain and function. Ordinal regression was used to predict trajectory group membership using baseline OHS and OKS score, age, BMI, index of multiple deprivation, sex, ethnicity, geographical location, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. RESULTS Data described two discrete trajectories for pain and function: 'level 1' responders (around 70% of cases) in whom a high level of improvement is sustained over five years, and 'level 2' responders who had sustained improvement, but at a lower level. Baseline patient variables were only weak predictors of pain trajectory and modest predictors of function trajectory. Those with worse baseline pain and function tended to show a greater likelihood of following a 'level 2' trajectory. Six-month patient-reported outcome measures data reliably predicted the class of five-year outcome trajectory for both pain and function. CONCLUSION The available preoperative patient variables were not reliable predictors of postoperative pain and function after THA and TKA. Reviewing patient outcomes at six months postoperatively is a reliable indicator of outcome at five years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1111-1118.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack R Dainty
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Toby O Smith
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma M Clark
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael R Whitehouse
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew J Price
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Challenges to Implementing Total Joint Replacement Programs in Developing Countries. Orthop Clin North Am 2020; 51:131-139. [PMID: 32138851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In this review article, the authors present the many challenges that orthopedic surgeons in developing countries face when implementing arthroplasty programs. The issues of cost, sterility, and patient demographics are specifically addressed. Despite the many challenges, developing countries are beginning to offer hip and knee reconstructive surgery to respond to the increasing demand for such elective operations as the prevalence of osteoarthritis continues to increase. The authors shed light on these nascent arthroplasty programs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Halawi MJ, Allen DA, Baron S, Savoy L, Williams VJ, Cote MP. Tobacco Smoking Independently Predicts Lower Patient-Reported Outcomes: New Insights on a Forgotten Epidemic. J Arthroplasty 2019; 34:S144-S147. [PMID: 30482415 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2018.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although smoking is a well-accepted risk factor for surgical complications, the effect of smoking on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has not been previously investigated. Prompted by an increasingly value-conscious healthcare environment, the purpose of this study is to investigate the association between smoking and PROs in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS A retrospective review of 713 primary total hip and knee replacements was performed. Two cohorts were compared: (1) current smokers and (2) previous/never smokers at the time of TJA. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short Form-12 Physical Composite Summary (SF-12 PCS) and Short Form-12 Mental Composite Summary were assessed preoperatively and again at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcomes were the net changes and absolute outcome scores at final follow-up. Postoperative patient satisfaction was also assessed as a secondary outcome. Linear mixed-effects regression analysis was performed. RESULTS There were significant demographic and preoperative health disparities as measured by PROs among smokers. After adjusting for baseline differences, smokers achieved significantly lower improvements in WOMAC (P = .002) and SF-12 PCS (P = .03) compared to nonsmokers. For each unit increase in packs per day smoked, the WOMAC scores increased (worsened) by 7.7 points (P = .003) and SF-12 PCS decreased by 4.8 points (P = .001). At final follow up, nonsmokers had significantly better absolute scores for all outcomes (except for mental health) and were more likely to be satisfied with surgery (89% vs 82%, P = .052). CONCLUSION Tobacco smoking is an independent predictor for lower PROs after TJA and this relationship is dose-dependent. The negative impact of smoking does not appear to be related to impaired psychological health. As we transition to value-based care delivery models, this study provides further evidence that smoking cessation should be strongly recommended as a modifiable risk factor before embarking on elective TJA. Studies are still needed to define the optimal window for smoking cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad J Halawi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Donald A Allen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Samuel Baron
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
| | - Larry Savoy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Vincent J Williams
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Mark P Cote
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bido J, Ghazinouri R, Collins JE, Diez Portela D, Alcantara L, Thornhill TS, Katz JN. A Conceptual Model for the Evaluation of Surgical Missions. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018; 100:e35. [PMID: 29557871 PMCID: PMC5916479 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.17.00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical missions to low and middle-income countries are increasingly frequent, with an estimated 6,000 trips sponsored by U.S. organizations accounting for approximately 200,000 surgical cases and $250 million in costs annually. However, these missions have received little critical evaluation. This paper describes the research program Operation Walk (Op-Walk) Boston, and proposes an evaluation model for similar surgical missions. METHODS We propose an evaluation model, borrowing from the work of Donabedian and enriched by evidence from our research program. The model calls for evaluation of the salient contextual factors (culture and beliefs), system management (structure, process, and outcomes), and sustainability of the program's interventions. We used these domains to present findings from the quantitative and qualitative research work of Op-Walk Boston. RESULTS Op-Walk's qualitative research findings demonstrated that cultural factors are important determinants of patients' perceptions of arthritis etiology, physical activity patterns, and treatment preferences. Quantitative assessments documented that Dominican patients had worse lower-extremity functional status (mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] function score of 33.6) and pain preoperatively than patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement in the U.S. (WOMAC function score of 43.3 to 54), yet they achieved excellent outcomes (50-point improvement), comparable to those of their U.S. counterparts. Assessments of the quality and sustainability of the Op-Walk program showed that the quality of care provided by Op-Walk Boston meets Blue Cross Blue Shield Centers of Excellence (Blue Distinction) criteria, and that sustainable changes were transferred to the host hospital. CONCLUSIONS Our proposed model offers a method for formal assessment of medical missions that addresses the call for evidence of their merit. We suggest that surgical missions adopt quantitative and qualitative strategies to document their impact, identify areas of improvement, and justify program continuation, growth, and support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bido
- Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (J.B., R.G., J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.), Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences, Department of Medicine (R.G.); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.); and Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy (J.N.K.), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roya Ghazinouri
- Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (J.B., R.G., J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.), Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences, Department of Medicine (R.G.); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.); and Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy (J.N.K.), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jamie E. Collins
- Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (J.B., R.G., J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.), Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences, Department of Medicine (R.G.); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.); and Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy (J.N.K.), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Desirée Diez Portela
- Departments of Project Management (D.D.P.) and Orthopaedic Surgery (L.A.), Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Luis Alcantara
- Departments of Project Management (D.D.P.) and Orthopaedic Surgery (L.A.), Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Thomas S. Thornhill
- Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (J.B., R.G., J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.), Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences, Department of Medicine (R.G.); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.); and Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy (J.N.K.), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey N. Katz
- Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (J.B., R.G., J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.), Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences, Department of Medicine (R.G.); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (J.E.C., T.S.T., and J.N.K.); and Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy (J.N.K.), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts,E-mail address for J.N. Katz:
| |
Collapse
|