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- Talk
- UK
Interview with Dr Lindsay Smith - Long Term Care following Total Hip Arthroplasty
Description
The discussion features Jonathan Howell and Ajay Malviya as they engage Dr. Lindsey Smith, an expert physiotherapist and researcher specializing in orthopedic care, in a thorough examination of the NICE guidelines regarding long-term arthroplasty care. Dr. Smith, with a strong background in orthopedic research, seamlessly leads the conversation from her qualifications to the recent NICE guidance issued in June, which had limited recommendations for follow-up care in hip, knee, and shoulder replacements.
Key points include the lack of approved follow-up protocols due to insufficient evidence, the varied practices across the UK concerning post-operative care, and the implications of disinvestment in long-term follow-ups in orthopedics. The interview highlights the UK SAFE project, co-led by Dr. Smith, aiming to investigate the impact of follow-up practices on patient outcomes and NHS resources.
Dr. Smith emphasizes that the systematic review showed minimal evidence supporting long-term follow-up efficacy, while interviews conducted revealed a reluctance within units to abandon thorough patient monitoring despite its evident dissolution. Notable findings from their observational study suggest that while there are potential savings in adopting high-quality implants—rated 10A STAR or above—routine follow-ups may not be necessary for these patients within the first ten years post-surgery. Conversely, alternative lower-rated implants could justify ongoing evaluations.
The conversation also touches upon emerging opportunities to integrate technology, particularly virtual services, into follow-up processes, reflecting on insights from recent publications like the King's Fund report. Dr. Smith advocates for research that prioritizes patient-centered experiences and recommendations for effectively managing diverse patient groups' follow-up needs over extended timelines.