Ebola Virus Disease--An Opportunity in Crisis?

Most patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Ireland are referred to orthopaedic services by their general practitioners(GPs). We aimed to evaluate Irish GPs’ expectations for their patients’ perioperative experience and post-operative return tofunction. A questionnaire was mailed to 350 GPs in all provinces. This included questions relating to GPs’ expectations for theirpatients and their knowledge and sources of information on TKA. 111 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate31.7%). Overall expectations for functional and psychological outcomes were high, especially regarding pain relief (108 (97.3%))expected relief from most or all pre-operative pain), mobility (108 (97.3%)) expected patients to walk medium or long distances)and psychological wellbeing (95 (85.5%) considered this somewhat or very important). Only 22 (20.2%) reported receiving anyrelevant information or training within the previous year. Overall expectations for functional outcomes were high, however greatercommunication between surgeons and GPs may improve GP information.To receive CPD credits, you must complete the questions online at www.imj.ie. CPD available online at www.imj.ie and questions on page 255. 101703_IMJ_SEPTEMBER_2015.indd 22911/09/2015 14:41