Periop optimisation and functional outcomes in elective LLA

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Measuring the impact of a remote perioperative optimisation programme on functional outcomes in elective lower limb arthroplasty: a randomised controlled trial.

• IRAS ID

  334654

• Contact name

  Martyn Ezra

• Contact email

  martyn.ezra@ndcn.ox.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 3 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Sword Health remote perioperative optimisation programme for patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacements. It's a randomised controlled trial involving 340 patients, split into two groups: those receiving the Sword Health programme and those receiving standard NHS care.

  The Sword Health programme is a digital intervention delivered via a mobile app and tablet. It provides personalised physiotherapy, health coaching, and educational content on nutrition, sleep, and mental wellbeing, both before and after surgery. Participants receive tailored exercise plans, real-time feedback, and regular support from physiotherapists and health coaches. Online group education sessions are also offered. Patients without digital access will be provided with the necessary technology and training.

  The control group will receive standard NHS pre- and post-operative care, which includes advice on exercise, lifestyle optimisation, and rehabilitation. Data on the type of standard care received will be collected.

  The study aims to determine if the Sword Health programme improves functional outcomes compared to standard care. Functional outcomes from surgery include;
  Pain relief
  The ability to move around freely
  Independence with activities of daily living
  Improvements in quality of life

  The research team will also perform a process evaluation in order to better understand how contextual factors influence the programme's implementation. Contextual factors include;
  Technological factors, such as access to technology or technology literacy
  Usability, including the design and user-friendliess of the digital programme
  Social and cultural factors, such as health beliefs and social determinants of health

  An economic evaluation will be performed to assess the programme’s cost-effectiveness and potential for wider use in the NHS.
  

• REC name

  East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/EE/0093

• Date of REC Opinion

  1 May 2025

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion