OPAL: Occupational advice for Patients undergoing Arthroplasty of the Lower limb

There are an increasing number of patients of working age undergoing hip and knee replacements. However, there is variation in the advice and support given on return to work after these procedures.

Earlier and sustainable return to work improves the health of patients and benefits employers and society. An intervention to encourage early recovery to usual activities, including work, has the potential to reduce the health and socioeconomic burden of joint replacements. 

Programme aims

This is a two phase research programme aiming to develop an occupational advice intervention that improves the return to work process for this patient group. It involves:

• South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• The University of Nottingham
• The University of York

Participants will be recruited from Middlesbrough, Norwich, and Nottingham.

Find out more about this research project.