The OPAL programme has lots of different parts to it. The two main parts of the programme are the information resources and the return to work co-ordinator. This are discussed in more detail below.
Using the OPAL programme is easy
Simply follow these instructions:
- Login to your secure OPAL programme account using the username and password provided to you by the hospital team. Once logged in you can change your password to something more secure and memorable via “My profile”.
- Create your return to work plan and share this with your employer, work colleagues and hospital team. The OPAL programme has 8 easy to follow steps. You can view the steps in your return to work programme on the home page and click on each one to complete it. Please remember to save your progress if you record information on one of the forms so that it is there when you come back to the site at a later time!
- Look at the exercises pages. Each exercise is linked to an activity or task you do at work. Use the filter to choose your operation and the activities and tasks you do at work to get a personalised list of exercises to complete. Start these before your operation and continue for 12 weeks after surgery. Try to do each exercise 3 times a day to help your recovery after surgery.
- Share your plan with your return to work co-ordinator. The return to work co-ordinator is a trained member of your orthopaedic team who will help and support your return to work after surgery. They can help you complete the key return to work steps and answer any questions you may have. They will contact you in the weeks before your surgery to check how you are getting on. You can find details of your return to work co-ordinator(s) in your OPAL patient workbook.
OPAL information resources
The OPAL programme has lots of resources you can use to help you plan your return to work.
The most important resources are:
- The patient workbook – This provides information about the OPAL programme, its 8 easy to follow steps and useful facts about returning to work after surgery.
- The exercise and rehabilitation workbook – This provides exercises that are linked to the activities and tasks you do at work. This means you can create an exercise programme that is targeted to the work that you do!
- The employer booklet – This booklet should be shared with your employer or work colleagues. It provides them with information about recovery after surgery and how they can support your plans for returning to work.
- The OPAL website – The website contains all the OPAL resources in a handy digital format.
The OPAL return to work co-ordinator
The return to work co-ordinator is an extra layer of support. They will contact you before surgery and check on your progress, provide advice and support and answer any questions you may have.
You can also contact the return to work co-ordinator at any time until you eventually return to work after surgery. You can find details of your return to work co-ordinator(s) in your OPAL patient workbook.