Does a Provider Contact Wristband Reduce Emergency Department Visit Rates Following Hip or Knee Arthroplasty?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reducing unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits following joint arthroplasty is an important goal. Literature suggests 30-day visit rates range between 4% and 15%, with only 20%-25% of these admitted for care. Low admissions suggest an opportunity to reduce unnecessary postarthroplasty ED visits. This study examined whether a wristband would encourage patients to call the care team with concerns prior to going to the ED.

Methods

A wristband displaying a contact phone number was placed on patients at discharge. ED visit rates (30 and 90 days) and readmissions (90 days) were tabulated for 2 years prior to and up to 3 years after the implementation of the wristband program. Residents who responded to calls and call logs were also reviewed.

Results

At 2 y

SUBMITTER: Hein DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11743857 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature