title: Feasibility, effectiveness and costs associated with a web-based follow-up assessment following total joint arthroplasty.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, effectiveness and costs of a web-based follow-up compared to in-person assessment following primary total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Patients who were at least 12 months postoperative were randomized to follow-up method. We excluded patients who had revision surgery, osteolysis, complications or identified radiographic issues. 229 patients (118 Web, 111 in-person) completed the study. There were no patients who had an issue missed by the web-based follow-up. Patients in the web-based group travelled less (28.2km vs 103.7km, (P<0.01)), had lower associated costs ($10.45 vs $21.36, (P<0.01)) and took less time to complete (121.7min web vs 228.7min usual). Web-based follow-up is a feasible, clinically effective alternative with lower associated costs than in-person clinic assessment.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Elborn College, Room 1423 The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
authors.forename: Jacquelyn D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Marsh
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Elborn College, Room 1423 The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
authors.forename: Dianne M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.affiliation: London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, London, ON.
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: MacDonald
authors.affiliation: London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, London, ON.
authors.forename: Douglas D R
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Naudie
authors.affiliation: London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, London, ON.
authors.forename: Richard W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: McCalden
authors.affiliation: London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, London, ON.
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.affiliation: London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, London, ON.
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Bourne
authors.affiliation: London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, London, ON.
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: McAuley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000191:economics* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000191:economics* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000191:economics; D011184:Postoperative Period
keywords: cost; feasibility; follow-up; total hip arthroplasty; total knee arthroplasty; web-based