We’re delighted to see our collaboration with Swansea Bay University Health Board recognised for pioneering health technology in the field of pre-operative assessments in Wales. The team took home the Technology and Digital Impact award category at MediWales Innovation Awards, rewarding the efforts of Swansea Bay UHB and PRO-MAPP’s Orthopaedic Waiting List Initiative (OWLi). 

This brief video outlines the basis of the OWLi project, and how it relates to the award nomination. Here’s more background details about our partnership, and why we’re aiming to better pathways for orthopaedic care in Wales and beyond with our digital platform.

Our collaborative approach

Planned care waiting lists have grown exponentially since the covid-19 pandemic – none more so that for trauma and orthopaedics. When patients stay on waiting lists longer, their health, and especially mobility with T&O conditions, declines and the lives of their families can be impacted. The cost on primary services may also increase, where the health economics has a direct impact on those patients being fit for the planned procedure.

To remedy this heavy operational workload on healthcare staff (and therefore speedy up pathways for patients), digital platforms are better using data to fast track those most in need of surgery, and to tailor prehabilitation support for every patient. 

Monitoring patient health prior to surgery is key and undertaken by Swansea Bay UHB’s orthopaedics team, in collaboration with PRO-MAPP’s customisable digital solution. With the interactive platform, patients in waiting lists are able to self-report their health symptoms. With AI technology, the solution is able to profile then tailor pre-habilitation support services for patients, and recognises those with underlying health conditions that may require further treatment elsewhere. This ongoing process of monitoring and management assists both the patient and the Health Board/Trust, as patients can ensure that they are ready for their procedure, which has a positive mental impact and sets their expectations.

The results to date

The platform has been delivering for over two years where more than 3500 patients have been onboarded to benefit from its data-led insights. Already, those with significant conditions have been identified and supported to improve their health and halt the possibility of failed pre-operative assessments. 

Over 200 patients identified as having a significantly high body mass index (BMI) have been triaged to specialist Prehabilitation AHP weight management services. 200 smokers have been flagged and referred to shared cessation support. More than 400 patients with pre-existing health conditions requiring new blood tests were alerted to update them prior to pre assessment, where these patients would have attended and failed pre-operative assessment otherwise. The clear benefits of this intelligent approach to waiting list management means that the platform and process is being looked at for other specialities

Charting our next steps

It is critical in a digital strategy to leverage and maximise the utility of the data, and the self-reported data within OWLi is checked regularly to enhance profiling and the accuracy of the analysis. 

OWLi has collated complex comorbidity and anaesthesia data on patients, and is now delivering these results in the correct format (including RAG – Red, Amber and Green) to each team to review patients and their planned care accordingly. The countdown to pre-assessment is vital in planning RAG clinics to maximise patient flow and saving costs.

Working with Planned Care teams is also paramount to update waiting lists with relevant information, including care changes or whether a procedure was carried out privately. PRO-MAPP’s platform has the ability to adapt quickly, and deliver these beneficial services to teams that can ensure each patient is as fit and prepared for their procedure as possible. 

About MediWales

The MediWales Innovation Awards are regional and divided into Industry Awards and Health Awards, open to applications from companies operating in (or with a footprint in) Wales.

2024 saw its nineteenth edition. Learn more about all of the category winners on the MediWales website.