Report: The waiting game - hip and knee surgery
Needing an operation is known to be painful and stressful for people, mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Several initiatives before and since the Covid pandemic have been aimed at improving perioperative care. We wanted to find out if residents in North Somerset had benefitted from such schemes or been supported in ways that met their needs during the wait.
People in North Somerset - particularly older residents - shared their experiences of waiting for a hip or knee operation with us. Many raised concerns around a lack of information and resources available for those waiting for surgery.
"I'm very angry, I have not been given any of this [information] by the hospital, my physio or my GP."
We asked what information individuals were given about self-help strategies at the point of referral by their healthcare professional. 29% said they were given no information at all.
When asked if any further information about self-help was given at their pre-operation appointment, 42% said yes.
- 64% of respondents said that they had no communication about their expected surgery waiting times from either their GP practice or the hospital.
- 53% of respondents said they felt able to access information online or via an app.
- 15% of respondents felt that they would have liked more information about pain relief during their wait.
"Danger of having almost too much information. Some apps or sites are more suitable for some and not others, it's a case of finding what works best for you."
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Key findings
We heard from 74 people. Two thirds were over 65 years old.
- Individuals who were not able to access information online felt left behind and did not receive enough information via other means.
- 36% of respondents said they would like referrals for exercise classes and
physiotherapy. - 22 respondents were offered information on exercise.
- 53% of those surveyed stated that waiting for their operation had impacted
on their mental health. - 61% of those surveyed said that waiting had affected their family or social life.
- Participants said they felt like a burden on family members.
- The three biggest concerns were the lack of information about waiting times, the lack of support with correct and specific exercise, and the pain
- Participants spoke about sleep deprivation being a big issue.
Recommendations
- To have an agreed shared protocol used by the Hospitals and GP practices to set standards in relation to the type of communication patients have while waiting for hip and knee replacement ensuring patients are aware of what is available.
- Primary and/or secondary services to establish a dedicated procedure for responding to service users' needs.
- Hospital Trusts to provide consistent preoperative care information.
- Health service providers to ensure that information is given with the options of easy read, large print and translations as required.
- To maintain an accessible evaluation in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire of the Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) implementation.
- GP surgeries to provide appropriate condition-based referrals to evidence-based sessional exercise support to address the most common mobility needs.
Are you on a waiting list for surgery? Share your experience with us by clicking the pink 'Talk to us' button below and completing our online feedback form.
