What is the impact of longer patient travel distances and times on perioperative outcomes following revision knee replacement: a retrospective observational study using data for England from Hospital Episode Statistics

TL;DR

This study examines if longer travel distances and times for revision knee replacement surgery in England affect patient outcomes like readmission and mortality.

Contribution

The study provides evidence that travel distance and time do not significantly impact perioperative outcomes for revision knee replacement patients.

Findings

No statistical association was found between longer driving distances and 30-day emergency readmission.

Travel distance and time showed no significant impact on mortality or length of inpatient stay.

Patients from the most deprived areas tended to travel longer distances, but this did not affect outcomes.

Abstract

Patients undergoing revision total knee replacement (RevKR) surgery often have difficulties mobilising and increasingly rely on family support. Evolving practice in England aims to manage these patients in specialised centres with the intention of improving outcomes. This practice will result in longer travel distances and times in this frailer group of patients. We want to examine the types of distances and travel times patients can be expected to travel for this complex orthopaedic surgery and to explore concerns of how these impact patient outcomes.

Retrospective observational study from the Hospital Episode Statistics. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between patient travel distances and times with perioperative outcomes.

Patients presenting to tertiary referral centres between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019. A tertiary referral centre was defined as a trust performing >49 revisions in the year prior.

Adult patients undergoing RevKR procedures for any reason between 1 January 2016 ando 31 December 2019.

The shortest patient level travel distance and time was calculated using the Department of Health Journey Time Statistics using Transport Accessibility and Connectivity Calculator software and Dijkstra’s algorithm.

The primary outcome is emergency readmission within 30 days. Secondary outcomes are mortality within 90 days and length of inpatient stay.

6880 patients underwent RevKR at 36 tertiary referral centres. There was a weak correlation between social deprivation and travel distance, with patients from the most deprived areas travelling longer distances. Overall, 30-day readmission was not statistically associated with longer driving distance (OR 1.00 95% CI 0.99 to 1.02) or peak driving times (OR 1.00 95% CI 0.99 to 1.01).

There was no association between increasing travel distance and time on perioperative outcomes for RevKR patients.

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