NHS Fife works with Buddy Healthcare to improve pre-op processes

NHS Fife is working with Buddy Healthcare on a digital pre-op pathway so orthopaedic patients can complete assessments on an app and clinicians can use the data to make the best-possible use of outpatient clinic and theatre time. 

The Scottish health board has adopted the digital platform, which it calls the Electronic Pre-Operative Assessment App (ELSIE).

Using the software, the pre-operative team can review information submitted by patients and respond to questions and queries.

They can also use a timeline feature to automatically send patients advice on how to prepare for surgery. 

In some cases, patients will be able to carry out their pre-operative assessments via the app and may not have to attend hospital until the date of the surgery, avoiding the need for multiple hospital visits.

We all know that the NHS is under enormous pressure as it looks to recover waiting lists and deal with unprecedented demand

For those who do need to attend in person, appointment times can be shorter.

Neil Shaw, an anaesthetic consultant at NHS Fife, said: “We cover a huge area, so some of our patients have to make long journeys to reach us. 

“Despite this, our traditional way of working was to offer every patient the same pre-assessment appointment, whether they needed longer, because they were high risk or they didn’t need it at all, because they were fit and well.

“The ELSIE electronic pre-operative assessment app means we can focus appointments on the patients who may be at higher risk of complications.

“This allows us to address health issues before their operation, making surgery safer, which should help to reduce short-notice cancellations.  

“We also aim to create a list of people who are ready for their operations who can be called in at short notice to fill empty slots.”

Trusts, health boards, and clinical teams need to make the best possible use of outpatient clinics and theatre slots; and NHS Fife has recognised that it needs good, digital technology to do this

As well as running hospitals throughout Fife, the health board hosts a National Treatment Centre for orthopaedics.

These were set up by the Scottish Government to provide extra capacity to support patients.

Unlike other pre-assessment providers, Buddy offers a full, digital, pre-operative solution that can also be used to support waiting list management, post-op follow-up, PROMS collection, and clinical trials.

Scott Gibson, delivery and operations director for Buddy Healthcare UK, said: “We all know that the NHS is under enormous pressure as it looks to recover waiting lists and deal with unprecedented demand. 

“That means trusts, health boards, and clinical teams need to make the best possible use of outpatient clinics and theatre slots; and NHS Fife has recognised that it needs good, digital technology to do this. 

“Individuals can use the ELSIE mobile app to prepare for surgery in the comfort of their own homes, while clinicians can collect more-holistic information about their health and wellbeing. 

“Then they can use that information to make the best use of the capacity that is available and to deliver the best-possible outcomes for patients.

“The potential is huge.”

Patients who are scheduled for an orthopaedic procedure receive a text message with a link to download the app; which can also be used by nominated relatives and carers. 

And patients who do not have access to a phone, or do not feel confident with technology, can still carry out their pre-assessment questionnaire over the phone or in person at an outpatient appointment.