The National Joint Registry (NJR) has recently undergone a review of its Minimum Data Set (MDS) and has announced that its’ data entry scope will be updated on 12 June 2023, to include new procedures as stipulated in the new MDS version 8 framework.
One of the most significant changes relates to hemi-arthroplasty procedures. To date, the NJR has only required data on fractured neck of femurs that required total hip arthroplasties. However, as part of the version 8 updates, data on hemi-arthroplasties will now also be required to be submitted.
Therefore, from 12 June 2023, all hospitals in the UK will be required to submit data to the NJR on the following Primary Hip (H1) procedures that were previously not included in H1:
- Unipolar Hemi-Arthroplasties
- Bipolar Hemi-Arthroplasties
Although these changes are likely to cause some disruption within elective operating theatres, the most significant impact is expected to affect trauma theatres, where most of these cases will be treated. Furthermore, whereas the NJR-required data has previously been centred around input by predominantly Hip Specialist Surgeons, the data required on the fractured neck of femurs will likely involve a far greater diversity of surgeons including trainees.
In addition, the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) already requires data submission on this group of patients. Consequently, the NJR version 8 requirements are expected to cause a not insignificant duplication of data inputting.
Amplitude is able to assist with reducing this data duplication whilst still ensuring compliance with all registry submissions.
Prevent unnecessary duplication of efforts with Amplitude
Amplitude has a bespoke Neck of Femur (NOF) Pathway, that not only captures all the mandatory data required for the NHFD, but will also record the data necessary for the new NJR Minimum Data Set.
The automated follow-up of patients on the Amplitude pathway enables easy tracking of patients who need post-surgical reviews for the NHFD as well as those completing National PROMs outcome reviews.
Therefore, by using the Amplitude Neck of Femur (NOF) Pathway, a single source of data entry will enable our customers to continue to utilise the NJR electronic data upload services, as well as consolidated reporting of the NHFD dataset for easy onward submission.
For those that rely on the completion of paper forms and then transcribing them into Amplitude, Amplitude has created a bespoke NJR paper form, for the collection of NJR data relating to the NOF fractures treated with Hemiarthroplasty or Total Hip Replacement.
What should existing Amplitude customers do next?
As an existing Amplitude customer, if you are interested in utilising the Neck of Femur (NOF) Pathway or require any further support, please get in touch with your Account Manager or contact our friendly Customer Support team at 0333 014 6363 or customer.support@amplitude-clinical.com.
What should non-Amplitude customers do next?
Amplitude Clinical Outcomes offers a single instance platform for both National PROMs and NJR data collection and submission. This means we can link these two datasets together in one platform, and then electronically submit the relevant information to NHS England or the NJR while you, the customer, retain this data, available in real-time for use as a clinical tool and for research and analysis.
In addition, in 2023, we extended our service to enable hospitals that collect NJR data for shoulder, elbow and ankle arthroplasties to use Amplitude as their single source of submission while Amplitude takes on the burden of extracting the relevant data and submitting it to the NJR avoiding any duplication of effort for the users.
So, if you want to streamline your National PROMs and NJR data collection process and remove the duplication of efforts relating to data inputting, whilst also ensuring that you’re meeting the latest NJR MDS requirements, contact our dedicated Customer Support team to book your free system demo.
