Please login to view this media
- Talk
- 20/09/2023
- UK
RACER Robotic Arthroplasty - A Clinical and Cost Effectiveness Randomised Controlled Trial
Description
In this presentation by Andy Metcalfe and Fares Hadadd, the duo discusses the RACER (Robotic-assisted Surgery for hip and knee replacement) studies, which are two NIHR-funded randomized controlled trials aimed at comparing robotic-assisted surgery with conventional methods. Starting off with a light-hearted acknowledgment of Ed's absence and the pleasant surprise of having an adequate substitute, Metcalfe outlines the structure and goals of the studies, detailing the enrollment of participants with primary osteoarthritis and the randomized assignment to either robotic or conventional surgery shortly before the procedure.
With a clear focus on the primary outcome measured—Forgotten Joint Score at 12 months—Metcalfe elaborates on the extensive data they are collecting, which spans from early pain and function assessments to long-term outcomes up to ten years post-operation. He highlights the current status of the trials, commending the contributions from various study sites, and admitting the faster progress of the RACER-Hip trial.
Metcalfe delves into the challenges faced in maintaining blinding within these studies to ensure unbiased results. The complexities of implementation include securing areas in the operating room, using sham incisions, and separating planning processes from robotic influences to clarify the data. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the cost implications and economic challenges posed by the new methods of surgery, noting that they are examining a variety of cost factors and operational aspects.
In addition, the presentation addresses the necessary psychometric evaluations surrounding the outcomes measured, discussing the importance of understanding patient priorities through decision choice experiments. Metcalfe expresses enthusiasm for the studies, detailing a collaborative and engaging environment among contributing sites, and invites more dialogue with those interested in the studies, encouraging direct communication through social media and email. The session concludes on an upbeat note, leaving room for questions and further discussions on the RACER initiative.