Program Reduces Wait Times for Orthopedic Patients

Nova Scotians needing knee and hip replacements are receiving better care before surgery and seeing specialists sooner.

Pre-habilitation (pre-hab) clinics in the four health authorities that offer orthopedic surgery reduce wait times by providing patients with tools and information to prepare for surgery, and teaching techniques to help them have a more successful surgery and recovery.

Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald said the province is keeping its commitment to set-up pre-hab teams.

"We know that wait times for orthopedic surgery have been too long in the past, and these clinics are changing that," said Ms. MacDonald. "And a patient better prepared for surgery can have a better recovery. This supports other efficiencies that can lead to reduced wait times."

Patients face two waits for knee or hip replacement surgeries. First they wait for a consult with their surgeon, then they wait for the surgery. For patients in the Capital Health pre-hab clinic, the consult wait has reduced significantly, in many cases down from one year to the national average of 90 days.

"The clinic certainly changed my quality of life and allowed me to get back to a more active lifestyle," said Astrid Doucet-Sellars, a pre-hab clinic participant. "The team was excellent and provided lots of support and explanations. I had been told there was a wait to see my surgeon, but was able to access services faster through this program."

Clinics in Cape Breton District Health Authority and Pictou County Health Authority have recently begun seeing patients, with Annapolis Valley Health Authority expecting to start seeing patients in April. The districts are expected to have similar results as Capital Health has experienced.

"These new clinics will ensure all Nova Scotians receive similar, high-quality orthopedic care," said Paul Easton, health services manager for orthopedics with Capital Health. "This program is improving patient satisfaction because they are seeing an orthopedic surgeon for consultation within the national benchmark of 90 days and overall wait times for surgery have been reduced."

Patients can be referred to a pre-hab clinic six months to a year before their surgery. By participating in a free 10-week program, patients can exercise; learn about healthy eating, managing pain and stress, and preparing for surgery. The pre-hab clinics also centralize referrals, so health authorities are aware of how many patients are waiting for surgery, and how long they are waiting.