title: Easing the burden for joint replacement wait times: the role of the expanded practice physiotherapist.
abstract: There is a critical shortage of orthopedic surgeons in Canada today due to a decreasing number of surgeons practising here and the increased demand for their services from a population with record-high rates of osteoarthritis and obesity. A method of managing the increased demand for total joint replacement was implemented and evaluated. A physiotherapist and orthopedic surgeons performed assessments on patients referred for surgery and found that 34% did not require surgery and that all patients required appropriate conservative management. This has led to the development and implementation of a model of care that not only meets orthopedic demands but improves treatment options for orthopedic patients.
authors: Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. alice.aiken@queensu.ca
authors: Alice B
authors: AB
authors: Aiken
authors: Mark M
authors: MM
authors: Harrison
authors: Marg
authors: M
authors: Atkinson
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Hope
mesh_terms: D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D009864:Ontario; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D014850:Waiting Lists