Why is the OPAL Trial important?
Hip and knee joint replacements relieve pain and improve function in patients with arthritis. One in four patients are in work at the time of their hip or knee replacement surgery, equivalent to 50,000 people in the UK each year. Many patients get back to work after surgery, however, the time this takes varies considerably.
A lengthy recovery time can affect patients’ physical and mental wellbeing. Patients often receive little or no return-to-work support from their hospital or GP specific to their individual needs and work situation.
As part of an earlier research study, we developed an “occupational” (back to work) support programme (known as OPAL) that supports return-to-work after surgery. We now need to assess whether this is effective in supporting a timely, safe and sustained return to work.
Aim(s) of the OPAL Trial:
We are assessing whether the OPAL occupational support programme has helped patients make a more timely, safe and sustained return to work and normal activities after their hip or knee joint replacement surgery.
What is the OPAL occupational support programme?
The OPAL occupational support programme has provided patients with personalised, targeted support. As part of the programme, patients have received a variety of resources to help them plan their return-to-work. This has included access to a trained co-ordinator who has helped and supported them before and after surgery.
How have we done the research?
We have undertaken a large trial comparing the OPAL occupational support programme against standard care. All adults who have been listed for elective primary hip or knee replacement in paid or unpaid work were invited to take part.
We have recruited 763 participants across 19 NHS Trusts.
The results from the OPAL Trial will allow us to understand if the OPAL support programme has helped to reduce the length of time until full, sustained return to work.
We will also find out if:
- There has been a difference between the groups in time to return to any work, the speed and quality of recovery, and if there is a need for additional workplace support
- The cost of care differs between the two groups, to determine whether one is better value for money for the NHS
- The programme has been effective by asking those who have received and delivered the OPAL programme what they thought about it and determine how it could be incorporated into routine NHS care
Patient and public involvement (PPI)
The study has been developed with patient and public advisors who have had hip or knee arthritis and joint replacement surgery.
A patient advisory group has worked with us to secure funding for the study, helped to develop patient facing documents and will continue to work with us as the results are being analysed.