UK steps closer to hip and knee implant registry:

Nationwide implant performance monitoring, clinical audit data collection and patient identification would all be possible with a national registry for hip and knee implants. The UK has come a step nearer to that goal following a launch by the Department of Health (DoH) of consultation that will address: its organisational structure; the minimum data set; data protection and confidentiality; access to data; and funding. The consultation, due to end on January 31 2001, will involve industry, the medical profession and patient groups. It is being undertaken jointly with the Scottish Executive Health Department and the National Assembly for Wales. The project reflects the recommendations of the National Audit Office and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. 60,000 hip and knee replacements are performed every year in England alone. The consultation document, which includes a reply form for either electronic or postal responses, is available at http://www.doh.gov.uk/joint-registry/index.htm/