Telehealth Following Orthopaedic Procedures

Evaluation of Telehealth Follow-up Appointments Following Orthopaedic Surgery

This study aims to evaluate the quality of care provided by a home-based teleheath program as a safe and acceptable alternative to an in-person office visit as determined by satisfaction with the program and the amount of further medical management required by the patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects over 18 and under 75 years of age undergoing elective primary orthopaedic surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital or Methodist Hospital who have the capability to utilize a telecommunications platform (computer, tablet or similar device at home with a webcam, microphone and access to high-speed internet).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects who are unable to access the telemedicine platform or who are uncomfortable with following up in this fashion
2. Subjects who are unable or unwilling to provide post-operative radiographs electronically or who are unable or unwilling to obtain them
3. Subjects with workman's compensation or automotive claims or other ongoing litigation
4. Subjects that are unable or unwilling to consent for enrollment
5. Patients under the age of 18 years
6. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
7. Patients undergoing surgery for tumor, trauma or infection or who require revision or staged procedures
8. Patients without English-language proficiency
9. Patients with unforeseen intra-operative or perioperative complications