Key result
Avoidable factors drive ~48% of elective orthopaedic surgery cancellations, led by patient inability to attend.
Why the study?
Cancellation of surgical procedures has significant physical, psychological, and financial consequences for patients and wastes hospital resources, prompting a study to identify reasons for cancelling elective orthopaedic surgery.
What are the causes of elective orthopaedic surgery cancellations and what proportion are avoidable?
Observational (n=600)
No
What are the causes of elective orthopaedic surgery cancellations and what proportion are avoidable?
Nearly half of elective orthopaedic surgery cancellations are due to avoidable reasons, highlighting the need for improved communication and administrative processes.
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Warrants better preoperative communication and processes to cut avoidable cancellations; extends observational data on quality improvement targets in elective orthopaedic surgery.
Barrow et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Elective orthopaedic surgery cancellations (n=600). Evaluation of reasons for cancellation was evaluated on Reasons for cancellation (patient, clinical, or hospital factors) and avoidability. Among 600 elective orthopaedic surgery cancellations, 48% were for avoidable reasons, most significantly patient inability to attend (13%), surgeon unavailability (8%), and lack of theatre time (6%).