Virtual arthroplasty follow-up (VARF) in total hip replacement: a safe, effective, and sustainable model for post-operative care.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Virtual follow-up programmes offer an alternative to traditional in-person appointments, aiming to reduce patient burden and optimise healthcare resources. Following a successful pilot in 2020, the virtual arthroplasty follow-up (VARF) pathway was formally implemented to monitor total hip replacement (THR) patients. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, economic impact, and environmental benefits of VARF in a large cohort.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospectively maintained database of 319 patients who underwent primary THR between January 2022 and July 2023. Follow-up was conducted using Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) and radiographs. Patient satisfaction was assessed via telephone survey in a representative sample of 35

SUBMITTER: Platt NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12380640 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature