Daycase knee and improving healthcare pathways through digitalisation

If you’re considering knee surgery, you may feel concerned about the time spent in hospital and the recovery process. Fortunately, advancements in healthcare are making it possible for many patients to undergo daycase knee procedures—meaning you can have surgery and return home on the same day.

This approach not only minimises hospital stays but also promotes faster healing in the comfort of your own surroundings. Additionally, digitalisation in healthcare is enhancing these experiences by creating smoother, more efficient pathways for patients. Revered consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Graham Walsh explores how daycase knee procedures and digitalisation are transforming knee surgery care.

How can daycase knee procedures benefit you?

Knee problems are a common complaint, and for many, surgery may be the best option to restore mobility and reduce pain. However, traditional knee surgeries often require patients to stay in hospital overnight or even for several days. Today, thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and medical technology, many patients can undergo daycase knee procedures. This means you can have knee surgery and go home the same day, reducing your time in hospital and allowing for a faster return to your regular routine. Digitalisation in healthcare is playing a major role in making these daycase procedures more efficient, comfortable, and safer for patients.

What is a daycase knee procedure?

A daycase knee procedure is an operation on your knee that does not require an overnight stay in hospital. Instead, you are admitted, undergo surgery, and are discharged on the same day. This is made possible by techniques such as minimally invasive surgery, which uses smaller cuts and causes less trauma to surrounding tissue. For example, arthroscopy – a type of keyhole surgery – allows surgeons to use small instruments and a camera to repair knee damage, leading to quicker recovery times and less pain after surgery.

Another crucial aspect is pain management. With advancements in anaesthesia and pain relief techniques, patients can now experience effective, targeted pain control, allowing them to safely return home soon after their procedure. This daycase approach means reduced time spent in a clinical environment, potentially lowering the risk of hospital-acquired infections and promoting faster recovery in the comfort of your own home.

How is digitalisation improving knee surgery pathways?

Digitalisation refers to using digital tools and systems to streamline and enhance the healthcare experience. In daycase knee surgery, digitalisation has transformed patient pathways from start to finish. For example, electronic health records (EHRs) allow doctors and specialists to quickly access your medical history, which is critical for ensuring personalised, safe, and efficient care. With EHRs, clinicians can track patient progress, collaborate on treatment plans, and make informed decisions without delays.

Digitalisation also allows for more efficient scheduling systems, ensuring that surgeries are timely and coordinated, minimising waiting times and cancellations. For patients, digitalisation may also mean quicker access to pre-surgical information, online consultations, and follow-up support, making the entire journey – from consultation to recovery – as seamless as possible.

How does digitalisation support your recovery?

A major part of recovery from knee surgery happens at home, and digital tools are proving invaluable in this stage. Many hospitals now offer virtual follow-up appointments, where you can connect with your healthcare provider online to discuss progress and any concerns. Telemedicine – the use of video calls and online platforms to speak with medical professionals – allows you to receive personalised guidance without needing to visit the hospital, which can be particularly helpful in the early stages of recovery.

In addition, digital rehabilitation apps are becoming more common. These apps provide you with guided exercises, reminders, and progress tracking features, all of which help you to stay on track with your recovery plan. Some apps even include virtual check-ins with physiotherapists, giving you professional support right from your phone or tablet.

If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Walsh, do not hesitate to do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.