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Domerchie E, Horner NS, Mauti E, Sedrak P, Sheehan B, Ayeni OR, Farrokyhar F, Denkers M, de Sa DL, Peterson D. Health-related quality of life does not deteriorate while waiting for anterior cruciate reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2024. [PMID: 38796720 DOI: 10.1002/ksa.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine how preoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is affected by the duration of the wait time (WT) for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) once a decision is made to proceed with surgery. METHODS This was a multi-centre prospective cohort study. One hundred and twenty-two patients 14 years of age and above waiting for ACLR completed the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) demographic, current health assessment and subjective knee evaluation (SKF) forms on the day of decision to operate and the day of surgery. Changes in scores were analyzed for the entire cohort, adjusted for WTs and a subset was compared for patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and ACL tears with concurrent meniscal involvement. Changes in HRQoL scores from the day of the decision to operate to the 9-month postoperative appointments were also assessed. RESULTS Energy/Fatigue (p < 0.05), Pain (p < 0.05), General Health (p < 0.05) and the IKDC-SKF Score (p < 0.05) significantly increased between the day of the decision to operate and the day of surgery. Only the change in IKDC-SKF score remained significantly higher after adjusting for WT. Baseline HRQoL scores significantly improved by the 9-month postoperative appointment. CONCLUSION The length of time waiting for ACLR did not adversely influence HRQoL in this study. However, low preoperative HRQoL and the significant improvement in HRQoL of patients followed postoperatively suggest that timely surgery is beneficial for this patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Domerchie
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nolan S Horner
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Mauti
- Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Phelopater Sedrak
- Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brendan Sheehan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Dalhousie University, St. John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Olufemi R Ayeni
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Forough Farrokyhar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Denkers
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren L de Sa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Devin Peterson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Yerke Hansen P, Macknofsky B, Busheme CE, Fomunung CK, Lavin AC, Fernandez CA, Sabesan V. Access to Total Knee Arthroplasty for Military Insured Patients. Arthroplast Today 2023; 21:101143. [PMID: 37521086 PMCID: PMC10382688 DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2023.101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rigorous training may lead to increased rates of knee osteoarthritis and arthroplasties in military service members. Given the large numbers of arthritis and the increasing need for total joint replacements, access to appropriate care can be difficult for this population based on insurance restrictions. The aim of this study was to evaluate access to total knee arthroplasty for TRICARE patients in contracted civilian medical facilities. Methods Orthopedic surgeons contracted to perform total knee replacements in the state of Florida were identified via TRICARE's website. Investigators used a secret shopper methodology with a standardized script to request an appointment for their family member for a total knee arthroplasty using either TRICARE Select or BlueCross preferred provider organization. The appointment acceptance rates, wait times, call duration, and accuracy of the physician listing were collected. Results A total of 228 offices that perform total knee arthroplasties in Florida were successfully contacted. Overall, 43.1% of the clinics had an inaccurate online listing, and 207 (91%) were able to schedule an appointment with TRICARE, compared to 93% for BlueCross Blue Shield (P = .06). The average wait for TRICARE patients was 24 days and 18 days for BlueCross (P < .01). Call times for TRICARE patients averaged 7.2 minutes, compared to 5.2 minutes for BlueCross (P < .01). Conclusions TRICARE patients encountered longer waiting periods and inaccurate provider listings when accessing orthopedic care. Our results suggest a disparity in healthcare access for patients using TRICARE, which may result in negative health outcomes from receiving delayed care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payton Yerke Hansen
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Brandon Macknofsky
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Cara E. Busheme
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Clyde K. Fomunung
- Department of Orthopaedics, JFK/University of Miami, Palm Beach, FL, USA
- Palm Beach Shoulder Service at Atlantis Orthopaedics, Lake Worth, FL, USA
| | - Alessia C. Lavin
- Department of Orthopaedics, JFK/University of Miami, Palm Beach, FL, USA
- Palm Beach Shoulder Service at Atlantis Orthopaedics, Lake Worth, FL, USA
| | - Carlos A. Fernandez
- Department of Orthopaedics, JFK/University of Miami, Palm Beach, FL, USA
- Palm Beach Shoulder Service at Atlantis Orthopaedics, Lake Worth, FL, USA
| | - Vani Sabesan
- Department of Orthopaedics, JFK/University of Miami, Palm Beach, FL, USA
- Palm Beach Shoulder Service at Atlantis Orthopaedics, Lake Worth, FL, USA
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Flexman AM, Ke J, Hallet J. Innovating for Value-Based Surgical Care in Canada: A Post-Pandemic Necessity. Healthc Policy 2023; 18:43-56. [PMID: 37486812 PMCID: PMC10370401 DOI: 10.12927/hcpol.2023.27094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing high-quality, efficient and cost-effective surgical care to Canadians has become increasingly challenging since the pandemic, resulting in long waitlists due to limited staff and resources. The pandemic has facilitated some areas of innovation in surgical care, notably in virtual care and expedited discharge, although many challenges remain. Key policy recommendations for reform include investing in infrastructure to collect and report on value-based metrics beyond volume, devising strategies to improve health equity, enhancing out-of-hospital support for surgical patients by using remote monitoring and digital technology, increasing patient segmentation into low- and high-complexity pathways, centralizing surgical triage and initiating careful financial incentivization of integrated groups of clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana M Flexman
- Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Anesthesiologist, Department of Anesthesia, St. Paul's Hospital/Providence Health Care, Affiliated Scientist, Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Janny Ke
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Anesthesiologist, Department of Anesthesia, St. Paul's Hospital/Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC
| | - Julie Hallet
- Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Surgical Oncologist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Adjunct Scientist, ICES, Toronto, ON
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Doran C, Crooks V, Snyder J. Qualitatively exploring the intersection of health and housing needs in Canadian crowdfunding campaigns. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:176. [PMID: 35081934 PMCID: PMC8790899 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Online crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe fundraise millions of dollars annually for campaigners. Medical crowdfunding is a very popular campaign type, with campaigners often requesting funds to cover basic health and medical care needs. Here we explore the ways that health needs intersect with housing needs in Canadian crowdfunding campaigns. In Canada, both health and housing needs may be addressed through legislative or policy intervention, are public health priorities, and are perceived as entitlements related to people’s basic human rights. We specifically develop a classification scheme of these intersections. Methods We extensively reviewed Canadian crowdfunding campaigns on GoFundMe, the largest charitable crowdfunding platform, using a series of keywords to form the basis of the classification scheme. Through this process we identified five categories of intersection. We extracted 100 campaigns, 20 for each category, to ascertain the scope of these categories. Results Five categories form the basis of the classification scheme: (1) instances of poor health creating the need to temporarily or permanently relocate to access care or treatment; (2) house modification funding requests to enhance mobility or otherwise meet some sort of health-related need; (3) campaigns posted by people with health needs who were not able to afford housing costs, which may be due to the cost of treatment or medication or the inability to work due to health status; (4) campaigns seeking funding to address dangerous or unhealthy housing that was negatively impacting health; and (5) people describing an ongoing cyclical relationship between health and housing need. Conclusions This analysis demonstrates that health and housing needs intersect within the crowdfunding space. The findings reinforce the need to consider health and housing needs together as opposed to using a siloed approach to addressing these pressing social issues, while the classification scheme assist with articulating the breadth of what such co-consideration must include.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Doran
- Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Valorie Crooks
- Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
| | - Jeremy Snyder
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Etowa J, Sano Y, Hyman I, Dabone C, Mbagwu I, Ghose B, Osman M, Mohamoud H. Difficulties accessing health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: examining the intersectionality between immigrant status and visible minority status. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:255. [PMID: 34915891 PMCID: PMC8674863 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulties accessing health care services can result in delaying in seeking and obtaining treatment. Although these difficulties are disproportionately experienced among vulnerable groups, we know very little about how the intersectionality of realities experienced by immigrants and visible minorities can impact their access to health care services since the pandemic. METHODS Using Statistics Canada's Crowdsourcing Data: Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians-Experiences of Discrimination, we combine two variables (i.e., immigrant status and visible minority status) to create a new variable called visible minority immigrant status. This multiplicative approach is commonly used in intersectionality research, which allows us to explore disadvantages experienced by minorities with multiplicative identities. RESULTS Main results show that, compared to white native-born, visible minority immigrants are less likely to report difficulties accessing non-emergency surgical care (OR = 0.55, p < 0.001), non-emergency diagnostic test (OR = 0.74, p < 0.01), dental care (OR = 0.71, p < 0.001), mental health care (OR = 0.77, p < 0.05), and making an appointment for rehabilitative care (OR = 0.56, p < 0.001) but more likely to report difficulties accessing emergency services/urgent care (OR = 1.46, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION We conclude that there is a dynamic interplay of factors operating at multiple levels to shape the impact of COVID-19 related needs to be addressed through changes in social policies, which can tackle unique struggles faced by visible minority immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Etowa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Yujiro Sano
- Department of Sociology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Ilene Hyman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charles Dabone
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Canadians of African Descent Health Organization, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ikenna Mbagwu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Canadians of African Descent Health Organization, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bishwajit Ghose
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Muna Osman
- Ottawa Local Immigrant Partnership, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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