Page 4 - 2020 Annual Outcomes Report
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, 2020
Welcome to the 2020 edition of the Outcomes Report for Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI). This 10th year of musculoskeletal care delivery for our entity has been one filled with several challenges, primarily related to maintaining a safe environment for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, plans put forth earlier this year to celebrate our 10-year anniversary of institutional growth and clinical success were redirected and prioritized towards crisis management and care optimization, with patient safety and well-being becoming the first priority for all.
When the State of California and CDC mandated suspension of elective
orthopedic surgical procedures in March due to COVID-19, HOI convened a multidisciplinary workgroup, including Dr. Philip Robinson and our outstanding infection prevention team, to develop a plan for resuming surgery safely. We developed a risk-based, phased approach to the resumption of elective procedures while maintaining surgical treatment for those with emergent and urgent conditions, in discussion with county health authorities. Criteria developed to optimize a safe elective surgical experience included careful use of PPE, pre-operative optimization of patient selection, strict operating room safety protocols, and rigorous patient screening. In May, we resumed elective surgical procedures under these guidelines (see page 16-17) on patients whose treatment had been delayed by the pandemic. Based on clinical analysis of testing results and a positive safety profile of case volume in May, we expanded our scope of surgical care in the following months. An IRB-approved study protocol was developed to analyze clinical data on positive pre-operative COVID-19 testing rates and any associated concern related to post- surgical outcome, which is now being submitted for publication. The COVID-19 crisis has also escalated the trajectory of the transition of our patient population from inpatient to outpatient settings, in the interest of minimizing surgical risk.
As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we reflect on our accomplishments and progress in achieving our vision of being a trusted leader in orthopedics; and nationally recognized for our superior clinical outcomes, innovation, and patient value. The HOI enterprise continues to grow, now including four ambulatory surgery centers. We have performed the highest number of joint replacements in California for the 8th year in a row and are ranked #35 in US News and World Reports best hospitals for orthopedics. We have well-established fellowship programs in Total Joint Arthroplasty, Sports Medicine, Spine, and Administrative Leadership.
The 2020 Outcomes Report outlines HOI’s journey through our first ten years. We look forward to seeing what the future brings, in our pursuit of getting those who seek our care back to doing what they love. As I complete my 10th year as Chief Medical Officer of this wonderful institution, I feel it is now time pass the torch to my close friend, practice partner, and outstanding surgeon, Dr Steven Barnett. Change is critical to success of any organization; as it will generate new ideas, enhanced clinical excellence, and leadership growth through generational transition. We hope that the insights provided in this manuscript with be of value to you as we all strive to improve the care of our patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
ROBERT GORAB, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Tom & Mayumi Adams Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
2 | HOAG ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE