OPAL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Occupational support for Patients undergoing Arthroplasty of the Lower limb trial (OPAL trial)
IRAS ID
320809
Contact name
Paul Baker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13694911
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
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 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) 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.\n\nThe OPAL occupational support programme provides personalised, targeted support for people in a range of jobs. As part of the programme, patients receive a variety of resources to help them plan their return-to-work. This includes access to a trained co-ordinator who helps and supports them before and after surgery. We will compare the OPAL occupational support programme against standard care. \n\nAll adults listed for elective primary hip or knee replacement from a minimum of 14 UK hospitals, who are in paid or unpaid work, will be invited to take part. Consenting participants will then be randomly assigned (using a computer) to receive either the OPAL programme or standard care. We aim to recruit 742 participants over 15 months. We will ask participants to complete questionnaires for 12 months following surgery in relation to when and how they return to work, and their normal activities. From these, we will understand if the OPAL programme helps to reduce the length of time until full, sustained return-to-work. We will find out if the cost of care differs between the two groups, to determine whether one is better value for money for the NHS. \n
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0013
Date of REC Opinion
8 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion