Alberta Hip and Knee Replacement Research Approach Responds to Growing Need for Evidence-based Health Care Decisions, Journal Article Concludes

The research approach used in the Alberta Hip and Knee Replacement Pilot can serve as a model for evaluating different ways to deliver health care, concludes an article in the International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care.

One of the most extensive health services delivery evaluations ever undertaken in North America, the pilot compared the effectiveness of a new evidence-based care path with conventional practice in Alberta.  The comparison was based on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness. 

More than 3,400 hip and knee replacements patients were enrolled in the pilot, which was designed as a randomized controlled study using a diverse population of participants.  The article describes the design and execution of the study, which was conducted over a 12-month period ending in spring 2006.

ABJHI designed the care path and played a central role in the study.  Evidence from the study showed that hip and knee replacement patients who followed the new care path had better outcomes than those who experienced conventional practice.  The new way was also more cost-effective.

The article’s authors conclude that this research approach responds to a growing need by health care providers and administrators for evidence when making decisions about treatment options and resources.