Quality Improvement Project Highlights

Project: FAST Pathway Same-Day Discharge for Total Hip and Arthroplasty

Background: Prior to the FAST Pathway, there was no formal opportunity for elective total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/T patients to participate in same-day discharge (SDD). SDDs we done ad hoc for only select THA patients. Literature demonstr SDD pathways, including both elective THA and TKA, help red the length of stay, increase access and flow, improve patient satisfaction, with non-inferiority in patient safety.

Aim: By December 2023, 90% of booked low-risk elective THA/TK patients following the FAST Pathway at Burnaby Hospital will be successful SDD

Preliminary Results: FAST pathway SDD success rate is 84.5% as o May 30 2023. SDDs have increased from 7.4% to 21% post FAST pathway, from November 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023.

Project: Stop the group and screen!

Background: Currently, all patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) at Burnaby Hospital undergo a routine group and screen, even though it is not recommended for low-risk surgeries. This unnecessary testing can potentially harm patients and increase laboratory costs and time.

Aim: By March 31, 2023, the number of inappropriate group and screen tests performed on TKA and THA surgeries at Burnaby Hospital will decrease by 80%.

Results: A chart demonstrating a reduction in group screen tests from 100% to 0% is provided.