Rehabilitation and Joint Replacement Outcome Study

Overview

Little is known about how much and which type of rehabilitation is available in New Zealand for people with osteoarthritis (OA) prior to and after, joint replacement. In addition there is little information available regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation for this group. While long-term outcomes following joint replacement are generally very good, up to a third may still experience pain and difficulties with activities of daily living following surgery. This study seeks to investigate how much and which type of rehabilitation people with OA access in New Zealand both before and after their joint replacement and whether rehabilitation improves outcomes in terms of better quality of life, reduced pain and increased levels of activity and function. In addition we specifically aim to examine whether there are differences in access to rehabilitation based on factors such as ethnicity or rurality. This information will help healthcare providers better meet the needs of patients both before and after surgery, ultimately contributing to improving outcomes for people with OA who elect to have a joint replacement.

This project is funded by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation (CMRF).

Method

Status of Research

Recruitment is in progress and due to be completed by mid-2016.

Outputs

VIDEO: BAIL Peer Group 05/05/16 Dr Debbie Snell – “Thank goodness someone is keeping an eye on me.” The importance of the therapy relationship in rehabilitation before and after hip and knee replacement.