QIST Collaborative - Arthroplasty Research Cohort (ARC) Study
This UK-wide study, called ARC, is looking into the experiences and results of people who have had hip or knee replacement surgery. Its main goals are to see how patients recover, identify reasons why some people might have difficulties, and find areas where future research could help. The study also aims to create a pool of information and potential participants for other research. If you join, you'll provide information online about your health and lifestyle before surgery, and then answer questionnaires online for up to two years afterwards. It's about helping to improve future care for everyone needing these operations.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The ARC Study is a big research project happening across the UK, focusing on people who are having hip or knee replacement surgery. These operations are very common for conditions like arthritis that cause pain and stiffness in the joints. The study title, 'Arthroplasty Research Cohort (ARC) Study,' essentially means it's a group of people being followed over time to learn more about joint replacement surgery.
The main idea behind the ARC Study is to understand what happens to people after their hip or knee replacements. Researchers want to see how well patients recover, how their quality of life changes, and if there are certain things that might make recovery easier or harder. By gathering lots of information from many different people, they hope to get a clearer picture of what influences the success of these operations. This information can then be used to improve the care and treatment for future patients.
Another important aim is to build a rich source of data that can help guide future research. This means the information collected in the ARC Study could help scientists decide what other questions need answering, or even help find people who might be suitable for new treatment trials. Ultimately, the goal is to continuously improve how doctors treat hip and knee joint pain in the long run.
Key takeaways
- It's about hip and knee replacement surgery outcomes.
- Participation is mainly filling out online questionnaires.
- The study lasts up to two years after your operation.
- Your routine medical care remains unchanged.
- Your information helps improve future care for others.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to live in the UK and be able to read and understand information in English. You must be aged 18 or over and be planning to have your first hip or knee replacement surgery. This means operations like a total hip replacement, a total knee replacement, or a partial knee replacement.
It's very important that you're happy to agree for your information to be collected and used for research, and that you're open to possibly being invited to take part in other studies in the future. If you meet all these points, then you can likely join.
The good news is that there aren’t really any reasons why you would be excluded from this particular study if you meet all the inclusion criteria. This makes it quite open to many people who are having this common surgery.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you live in the UK?
- Can you read and understand English well?
- Are you scheduled for your first hip or knee replacement?
- Are you happy for your health information to be used for research?
- Would you be open to hearing about other studies later on?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join the ARC Study, your involvement will mainly be online. You'll be invited by your surgical team or through adverts and directed to a special website. There, you'll find more details about the study and be asked to give your consent electronically, meaning you'll agree online to take part.
Before your hip or knee replacement, you'll complete online forms about your health, lifestyle, and how your joint pain affects you. This is called 'baseline information'. After your surgery and rehabilitation (which will be the standard care given by your hospital and surgeon), you'll continue to fill out online questionnaires. These follow-up questionnaires will ask about your progress and how you're feeling, and they will be sent to you at different times for up to two years after your operation. There are no extra hospital visits or special medicines involved; you simply continue with your usual medical care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustAshington, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of surgery is the study about?
The study focuses on common hip and knee replacement surgeries for conditions like arthritis.
How do I join the study?
You might be invited by your surgical team, or you can find information through ads that direct you to an online portal.
What do I have to do if I join?
You'll fill out online questionnaires about your health before your surgery and then periodically for up to two years afterwards.
Will I get special treatment if I join?
No, you will receive the same standard medical and surgical care as any other patient at your hospital.
How long will I be in the study?
You would be asked to provide information for up to two years after your hip or knee replacement surgery.
How to find out more
William Fishley
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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