A centralized intake system for hip and knee replacement is giving patients more options, says the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
“For patients, the system greatly improves their quality of care, and it standardizes their care across all SHA facilities,” says Dr. Joan Wheat Hozack, an orthopedic surgeon based in Lloydminster and the SHA Surgical NW Area Lead. “When you have more control and can play a bigger part in your own surgical referral decision-making process you’ll have a better overall experience with the health system, from being more involved in your medical journey to better surgical outcomes and recoveries.”
Launched in February, the intake system coordinates, tracks, and monitors all referrals for hip and knee replacement surgeries in Saskatchewan. Officials see the process as giving patients better choices in decision-making and choice of location, and then connecting patients with the most appropriate surgeon based on their preferences.
Thirty-two orthopedic surgeons are participating in the initiative across five surgical locations.
More information is available online.