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- Talk
- 19/09/2023
- UK
BOA 2023: Robert Jones Lecture - Innovation, Regulation and Evaluation in Orthopaedic Surgery
Description
In a formal setting, Deborah Eastwood addresses the audience, inviting them to stand for the procession of the Robert Jones lecturer. After everyone is seated, the moderator expresses great pleasure in introducing Professor Andrew Carr, who has been pivotal in transforming the Nuffield Department of Orthopedics at the University of Oxford since 2001. Under his leadership, the department has grown significantly, both in terms of faculty and research capacity, establishing Oxford as a leading center in musculoskeletal sciences. Professor Carr's fundraising efforts have resulted in the construction of Europe's largest orthopedic and musculoskeletal research institute. He has emphasized the importance of delivering research that benefits patients suffering from joint pain and disability globally.
In his introduction, the moderator highlights Professor Carr's dual role as a dedicated surgeon and a supportive colleague, noting his caring nature and significant contributions to both the university and local initiatives. Andrew Carr begins his lecture with gratitude and reflects on his health journey, setting the stage for an exploration of innovation, regulation, and evaluation in orthopedics. He discusses the pressing issues of orthopedic conditions, which, while not fatal, cause formidable disability, particularly as populations age, leading to rising healthcare costs.
Carr emphasizes the need for rigorous evaluation processes for orthopedic interventions, highlighting the challenges of measuring the effectiveness of innovations versus their costs. He articulates the need for a better understanding of evaluation in surgery, often neglected in favor of oncology. Carr indicates that the orthopedic field has made strides in improving research methodologies and urges the adoption of multidisciplinary approaches to ensure patient safety. He provides insights into current regulatory systems governing medical devices, discussing flaws and the evolving impacts of recent reforms in both the US and Europe.
The lecture subsequently covers the importance of patient-reported outcomes and how they shape surgical practices. Carr shares successful experiences from various trials, such as evaluating partial knee replacements and questioning long-held procedures in shoulder surgery, advocating for better assessment of surgical practices through collaborative studies. He stresses the impact of communication between healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies, and the necessity for a cultural shift within orthopedic practice towards more evidence-based approaches.
Concluding with a call to action, Carr highlights the necessity for orthopedic professionals to embrace innovation and regulatory changes, ensuring they provide evidence-driven care to patients. The session ends with Carr receiving the Robert Jones lecture medal, acknowledging his achievements and contributions to the field. The moderator invites the audience to remain seated until the procession concludes, marking a ceremonious end to the lecture.