Orthoses re-orders

[davidh]

Hi all,
Does anyone have any reliable records (or any published data out there) to show the average re-order rate for custom orthoses?
I'm not talking about replacement orthoses, I'm talking about 2nd or 3rd pairs for different footwear.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
David

[johnmccall]

Hi David,
Good question. I've asked around some colleagues in private practice who reckon 1-2% ask for an extra pair for additional shoes.
In NHS locally about 5% get an extra pair.
I've detailed computerised records for an NHS clinic I do and for a private sports med clinic so I've queried those and the result corelates fairly closely with my colleagues.

The question then was: "are the patients offered an extra pair or do they ask for one?" Mainly the patients asked. So I wonder what would happen if the patient was offered an extra pair?

Cheers
John

[davidh]

Hi John,
I 've calculated I do about 30% re-orders. This week alone I did £600-worth of business from re-orders.

It's an area which interests me greatly (I like the concept of emails for £££!).
One of the obvious variables which dictate whether a patient wants to spend more on a 2nd or 3rd pair is whether or not they find the devices work for them. I think, too, that a good lab who will store cast data indefinitely is an integral part of re-orders.
Regards,
David

[Craig Payne]

David

I have been thinking about this ever since you posted the first message .... we have no data (good or bad) on this. Its pretty basic research and should be done..

There is no doubt that a certain % of people discontinue the use of foot orthoses (symptoms gone; orthoses worn out; lost them; shoes solen; etc) and do not have any more problems. Then there is a certain % whose symptoms return immediately the orthoses are no longer used or they start to wear out.

What we urgently need is data on the characteristics of the two groups ---- especially so we can be predictive of those who will and will not need long term use.

..... I guess that this can go in that ever inceasing 'research to do' folder on my desk (see my signature below) :eek:

[davidh]

I have been thinking about this ever since you posted the first message .... we have no data (good or bad) on this. Its pretty basic research and should be done..


It is, isn't it.
It suprises me that no one (myself included) has realised the importance of this topic, especially to those of us in private practice where the commercial aspect may be of significant value.

Of course it also has ramifications for long-term patient management, and laboratory and product choice.

Too big for an undergrad research project?

Cheers,
David