A closer look into surgical model line’s Provincial Coordination Team
An orthopedic model line consisting of two teams has been established, to achieve best practices to improve and enhance care before, during and after surgery. This is a surgical priority outlined in this year’s SHA Roadmap.
The optimize and expand team is working to better level load patients who are waiting on orthopedic total joint (hip and knee) procedures. This important work includes developing a centralized intake system through eHealth Saskatchewan’s Referral Management Service (RMS).
Once launched in early 2024, the RMS system will ensure a reduction in surgical wait times, eliminate duplication, avoid missed referrals, a cleaner and streamlines waitlist province-wide, and allow patient driven choice or where they receive their surgery and by which surgeon (if desired).
So far, the team has had many successes including:
- Developed a Provincial Referral Form for total hip and knee replacement surgeries in Saskatchewan
- Established a provincial approach to geographical pooling
- Created a Scope of Practice Form
- Developed a Governance Structure and Letter of Understanding for orthopedic surgeons
Additionally, the team has led numerous grand rounds and other engagement opportunities to ensure orthopedic surgeons and patient and family partners have opportunity to voice their opinions. This is transformational work and will be the first surgical type to be under a provincially coordinated central intake system.
The team consists of Myong Younghusband (Saskatoon), Lindsey Cameron, (Moose Jaw), Dr. Joan Wheat Hozack (Lloydminster), Dr. Anthony (Tony) King (Saskatoon), and Shelley Bobowski (Saskatoon).