Full title
Occupational support for Patients undergoing Arthroplasty of the Lower limb Trial (OPAL Trial)
Background
Hip and knee joint replacements relieve pain and improve function in patients with arthritis.
1 in 4 patients are in work at the time of their joint replacement surgery, equivalent to 50,000 people in the United Kingdom (UK) each year. Many patients get back to work after surgery however, the time this takes varies. The lengthy recovery time can affect the patient’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Patients receive very little or no return-to-work advice from their hospital or GP, before or after surgery, specific to their individual needs and work circumstances.
What we are doing
We have developed a return-to-work (occupational) programme that supports the patient to get back to work and their activities after their joint replacement surgery.
We need to assess whether this programme is effective in supporting a timely, safe and sustained return-to-work after surgery.
Chief investigator
Professor Paul Baker
Sponsor
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Funder
NIHR
Current status
In set-up