Using administrative data to investigate wait times for total joint replacement surgery in Newfoundland and Labrador

Chislett, Tracy (2010) Using administrative data to investigate wait times for total joint replacement surgery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Objective: Total wait time for total joint replacement surgery is described, and comorbidities and health service utilization of patients during the wait and length of stay after the procedure are examined. -- Methods: Surgery department data for 2002-2005 from eastern Newfoundland and Labrador was linked to physician claims and hospital data to measure total wait time and examine health service utilization and comorbidities. Wait time was grouped into short, moderate, long and very long. -- Results: Median total wait time was 47.1 months. Age, hospitalizations and new comorbidities during the wait time were positively associated with length of stay after the replacement. No association was found between total wait time and physician visits or hospitalizations. A weak positive association was found between number of comorbidities and wait time. -- Conclusions: Patients wait times are longest before the wait list begins. It may be beneficial to both patients and the health system to reduce the total wait time.

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