Delayed and cancelled orthopaedic surgery; are there solutions to reduce the complex set of problems? A systematic literature review

Background Unexpected cancellations of, and delays to, orthopaedic surgery have adverse effects, with a negative impact on hospital performance undesirable patient outcomes. As are common, finding measures to prevent them is matter of urgency. Methods The present systematic review conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews Meta-Analyses guidelines Cochrane Handbook. Peer-reviewed studies reporting or in patients requiring emergency planned that compared care action/intervention no action traditional were included. Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development Evaluation used assess quality evidence results from included studies. objective study was systematically search literature qualitative factors might reduce surgical procedures. Results electronic yielded 1209 eight articles performed assessment. heterogeneity lack calculations statistics resulted meta-analysis. result assessment indicated ranked low very across different main limiting factor, which reason decrease some outcomes, designs, non-randomised control retrospective approach. interventions could help support reduction risk cancelled delayed Conclusion This has revealed important procedures associated variety exposures. They include fast-track pathway, pre-operative telephone contact prior surgery, as well careful consideration additional tests.