Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluating the Clinical Impact of the Prehabilitation and Recovery for Enabling Potential (PREP) Clinical Care Pathway

This study, called Evaluating PREP, focuses on military veterans undergoing total knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. Researchers want to see if a special programme, known as PREP, helps them recover better. The PREP programme includes 'prehabilitation' (preparing for surgery) and a week of focused, individualised recovery after the surgery. The study will check if this programme improves both physical abilities and mental well-being, and if these improvements last for up to 12 months. The goal is to find ways to improve surgical care and recovery specifically for veterans needing knee replacements.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2028

Osteo Arthritis of the Knee

What is this study about?

If you're a military veteran considering a total knee replacement because of osteoarthritis, this study might be of interest. It's looking into a new programme called PREP (Prehabilitation and Recovery for Enabling Potential) designed specifically for veterans. The idea behind PREP is that if you prepare well for surgery and have a focused recovery plan afterwards, you might have better long-term results.

The researchers want to understand if this PREP programme truly makes a difference. They'll be checking if it helps improve how well veterans can use their knee and also their general mental well-being. They'll follow participants for up to a year after surgery to see if any benefits last. The insights gained from this study could help doctors and healthcare providers improve care for veterans undergoing knee surgery in the future.

This study is important because it focuses on the unique needs of veterans. By looking at both physical and mental recovery, it aims to provide a more complete picture of what helps patients get back on their feet after a knee replacement. The information collected will help shape how pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery rehabilitation are offered to veterans in the future.

Key takeaways

Targets military veterans with knee osteoarthritis needing surgery.
Investigates the PREP programme's effectiveness for recovery.
Looks at both physical and mental well-being for up to a year.
Aims to improve future care for veterans undergoing knee replacement.
Primarily involves collecting existing clinical data and a questionnaire.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must be a military veteran and already be under the care of a specific orthopaedic surgeon at RJAH who specialises in veterans' care. Importantly, you also need to be taking part in the PREP programme.

It's also essential that you can read and speak English, and that you understand what the study involves and can agree to take part. If you're not a veteran, are under 18, or not part of the PREP programme, then this study isn't for you. You also won't be able to join if you can't understand the study information, or if you can't or don't want to fill out some questionnaires.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you a military veteran?
Are you under the care of an RJAH Veterans Orthopaedic Consultant?
Are you participating in the PREP Programme?
Can you read and speak English confidently?
Can you understand what the study is about and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve collecting information about your progress as you go through the PREP programme for your knee replacement. This means the research team will look at your clinical records, which will include details about your pre-surgery preparation and your rehabilitation afterwards. In addition to this, you'll also be asked to complete an extra questionnaire. The study will track your outcomes for up to 12 months after your surgery to see how you're doing over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help improve the understanding of how best to support veterans undergoing knee replacement, potentially benefiting future patients. There are no direct medical risks from participating in the study itself, as it mainly involves collecting information from your existing care and an extra questionnaire. However, as with any research, your privacy will be protected. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
Verified postcode
Oswestry, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'prehabilitation'?

Prehabilitation means doing exercises and preparing your body before surgery to help you recover better afterwards.

Who is this study for?

This study is for military veterans who are having total knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis and are part of the PREP programme.

Will I have to take new medicines?

No, this study doesn't involve taking any new medicines. It's about collecting information on an existing recovery programme.

How long will I be involved?

The study will collect information on your progress for up to 12 months after your knee surgery.

Will my privacy be protected?

Yes, all your personal and medical information will be kept confidential and handled with care.

How to find out more

Marit N Dugard, PhD

naomi.dugard@nhs.net +44 1691 404139 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.