Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Paying for knee replacement surgery in Quebec
- Quebec hospitals with shortest knee replacement surgery wait times
- Quebec hospitals with longest knee replacement surgery wait times
- Interpreting wait times & data limitations
- Advocating for better data access
Introduction
Knee replacement surgery in Quebec involves replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial one, commonly needed by individuals with severe arthritis or significant knee damage, causing chronic pain and mobility issues. The surgery aims to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance patients' quality of life.
Once considered a candidate for knee replacement, patients in Quebec discuss available artificial knee joint options, which vary in materials such as metal, plastic, or ceramic, depending on factors like age, activity level, and surgeon's expertise.
The procedure, performed under general or spinal anesthesia, entails making an incision over the knee to remove damaged bone and cartilage, replacing them with the artificial joint. Surgery typically lasts a few hours, followed by a hospital recovery period lasting from days to a week, based on the patient's health and surgery specifics.
Post-operative care is crucial for success. In Quebec, patients receive comprehensive rehabilitation services, starting with early mobilization to prevent blood clots and improve circulation. Physical therapy aids in regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, tailored to individual needs, often beginning in the hospital and continuing as outpatient therapy or home exercises.
Paying for knee replacement surgery in Quebec
Knee replacement surgeries in Quebec are typically covered by the provincial healthcare system, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), ensuring accessibility to essential medical services without direct charges at the point of service.
RAMQ is funded through provincial taxes, guaranteeing that residents have access to necessary healthcare without financial barriers.
Quebec hospitals with shortest knee replacement surgery wait times
Below are three integrated health centres in Quebec which have the shortest knee replacement surgery wait times:
- 🥇 CISSS de la Côte-Nord has the shortest wait time for knee replacement surgery in Quebec, with a 99% probability of waiting less than 24 weeks.
- 🥈 CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale ranks second for the shortest wait time, with a probability of 93% of less than 24 weeks.
- 🥉 CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal ranks third for the shortest wait time, with a probability of 88% of waiting less than 24 weeks.
Quebec hospitals with longest knee replacement surgery wait times
Below are three integrated health centres in Quebec which have the longest knee replacement surgery wait times:
- 🐌 CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal has the longest wait time for knee replacement surgery in Quebec, with a 43% probability of waiting less than 24 weeks.
- 🐢 CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest ranks second for the longest wait time in Quebec, with a probability of 46% of less than 24 weeks.
- 🦥 CISSS de l'Outaouais ranks third for the longest wait time in Quebec, with a probability of 50% of waiting less than 24 weeks.
Interpreting wait times & data limitations
Several factors can extend the average wait times for surgery in Quebec. Clinical considerations often lead doctors to delay surgeries based on a patient's medical needs or other priorities. Additionally, patients may postpone their procedures due to personal reasons like scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, or a preference to delay treatment. The availability of hospital operating rooms also plays a critical role. These spaces are necessary for surgeries but can be scarce if occupied for other medical procedures or impacted by labor shortages. Seasonal variations further influence both room availability and staffing levels, potentially prolonging wait times during certain periods.
Conversely, average wait times can sometimes seem shorter than anticipated due to various factors. Some patients have flexible schedules, allowing them to fill slots that become available unexpectedly, thus shortening their wait. This adaptability, when averaged with others, can make overall wait times appear more favorable. Seasonality affects this dynamic as well, with certain times of the year experiencing lower demand for surgeries or increased temporary staffing, which can enhance room availability and reduce delays.
Advocating for better data access
We are thankful for the efforts in Quebec to provide hospital wait times for surgeries. Quebec stands out globally for its transparency in reporting hospital wait times and covers a wide array of medical procedures.
We encourage the Quebec health authorities to expand their data reporting to include average wait times by doctor, as seen in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. This information would greatly benefit patients by allowing them to choose doctors with shorter wait times.
Readers can consider reaching out to Quebec health authorities to advocate for this beneficial change.