Description
The presentation led by Andrew Hamer discusses current challenges in hip replacement surgery, particularly focusing on the unprecedented waiting lists and prioritization of patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamer emphasizes the lack of scientific data driving the decisions, highlighting the urgency of the situation as it develops. He outlines the involvement of the British Hip Society in forming a working group to address these issues and the complexity involved in fairly prioritizing hip surgery candidates.
In the opening, he explains the gravity of the waiting list situation, referencing historical contexts where patients waited excessively for treatment. He raises concerns about inequalities in access to surgery across different regions, which exacerbates the problem. Hamer also discusses the relevance of assessing patients not just by their waiting time but considering multiple factors, including their physical, psychological, and economic conditions. He mentions the importance of effective communication with patients about their status on the waiting list, despite the adversity in delivering bad news.
Furthermore, Hamer acknowledges the necessity for a collaborative approach to address operational capacity issues amidst reduced activity levels experienced post-pandemic. He uses audience interaction through a Slido poll to gauge the current operational contexts faced by attendees regarding their ability to offer elective hip surgery and shares insights about the limitations in staffing and resources that many hospitals are encountering.
The combination of surgical necessity, psychological distress, and economic implications are positioned as critical factors in making informed prioritization decisions. Ultimately, Hamer calls for a concerted effort to enhance patient management strategies and initiate early interventions to mitigate waiting lists while promoting patient well-being.