ELECTRONIC FOLLOW-UP: IS SEEING PATIENTS IN CLINIC NECESSARY?

The incidence of major complications following total joint arthroplasty is low, however, surgeons often continue to see patients regularly to monitor outcomes and the performance of the implant. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a web-based follow-up compared to in-person assessment following primary total hip or total knee arthroplasty. We also determined patient satisfaction and preference for follow-up method.Patients who were at least 12 months postoperative were randomised to complete either a web-based follow-up or to have their appointment at the clinic, as usual. We excluded patients who had revision surgery, osteolysis, or identified radiographic issues. We report the frequency of web-based patients who had an issue missed by using the web-based follow-up. We recorded travel costs and time associated with each follow-up, and any health care resource use for one year following the assessment. We conducted a cost analysis from the healt...