# Efficient patient-initiated follow-up after orthopaedic injections

## TL;DR

Using pain diaries, patients can schedule follow-up appointments after orthopaedic injections based on their own needs, reducing unnecessary visits and saving costs.

## Contribution

The study introduces a patient-initiated follow-up model using pain diaries to optimize post-injection care and reduce healthcare costs.

## Key findings

- 57% of patients requested follow-up after injections, with a median time of 117 days.
- Only 9% of patients needed a review within the standard 6–8 week timeframe.
- The model could save £9500–£19,000 annually by avoiding unnecessary appointments.

## Abstract

Annually, thousands of patients with foot and ankle pain receive injections for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, since the duration of pain relief is unpredictable, planning follow-up appointments is difficult. This study aimed to improve patient-initiated follow-up through pain diaries.

The diagnosis, intervention and outcomes for patients receiving ultrasound guided foot and ankle injections were included. By comparing the timing of patient-initiated appointments against the standard 6–8 week appointments, the number of ‘saved’ appointments were calculated.

Over twelve months, 104 injections were recorded. Fifty-nine patients (57%) requested a follow-up, with a median time to follow-up was 117 days. Only nine patients (9%) requested a review within 6–8 weeks. This may translate to a potential saving of £9500–£19,000 from the avoided follow-up appointments.

Improved pain monitoring through pain diaries allows follow-up appointments to be tailored to patients, which can improve patient experience and resource allocation.