The HCF Research Foundation held the inaugural national roundtable to explore short-stay joint replacement care models.
The foundation said the event underscored its dedication to promoting stakeholder-driven, non-partisan healthcare solutions.
While short-stay programs, or “rapid recovery” models, are widely implemented internationally, their adoption in Australia remains limited.
The roundtable in Sydney brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, administrators, government officials, patients, and funders, to identify challenges and opportunities for broader implementation of these models.
Research indicates that nationwide adoption of short-stay programs could lead to significant cost savings for the healthcare system, assuming the obstacles are addressed. The roundtable aimed to develop a strategic plan to facilitate the integration of these care models in both public and private healthcare sectors across Australia.
“Without significant reform, the healthcare system will struggle to meet the increased demand for these procedures given our ageing population, longer life expectancy, and rising obesity rates,” said Professor Ilana Ackerman (pictured) of Monash University, whose research has forecast a staggering surge in joint replacement surgeries.
Ackerman’s studies predict a dramatic rise in joint replacement surgeries by 2030, with knee replacements projected to grow by 276% and hip replacements by 208%, potentially increasing annual healthcare costs to $5.32 billion, including $3.54 billion in the private sector.
“This expected growth in joint replacement surgeries underscores an urgent need for new and creative solutions and greater system reform in healthcare models, especially as healthcare costs continue to climb and delays in the public health system prolong elective surgery waits,” she said.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost 20% of total hip replacement patients and nearly 30% of total knee replacement patients experience wait times exceeding a year in the public health system. Additionally, a substantial number of these surgeries are transitioning to the private sector, underscoring its pivotal role in addressing surgical backlogs.
Ackerman’s project, funded by an HCF Research Foundation Innovation Research Grant, seeks to bolster evidence on the safety and efficacy of short-stay joint replacement programs, offering guidance for new fast-track initiatives.
Her research encompasses a systematic review and meta-analysis on program safety and patient selection, a national survey on program feasibility and acceptability, and a budget impact analysis evaluating potential economic benefits.
Professor Claire Jackson AM, chair of the HCF Research Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s significance.
“This forum provides a great opportunity for knowledge sharing and learning across government, providers, funds, and consumers,” she said. “By fostering a collective, non-partisan approach, we can better address the challenges facing our population and healthcare system, in support of the foundation’s mission to improve health access and outcomes for all Australians.”
Dr. Christopher Pettigrew, head of the HCF Research Foundation, added: “We are proud of the support we’ve provided researchers like Professor Ackerman and her team, helping to make healthcare more responsive, affordable, and of high quality, and look forward to seeing this research translated into meaningful health outcomes.”
The HCF Research Foundation, which also recently funded a three-year research project aimed at preventing acute back pain from turning into chronic back pain, plans to publish a report detailing the roundtable’s findings later this year.
