Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Dressing-related Experiences and Surgical Site Self-care in Hip and Knee Replacement: an Observational Cohort Study

This study wants to understand your experiences with wound dressings and how you look after your surgical wound after a hip or knee replacement. We'll be observing how well the dressings perform, whether they are comfortable, and how you feel about the information you receive on wound care after leaving hospital. We'll also track any wound-related issues that might happen in the first 12 weeks after your operation. This helps us ensure that wound care is as effective and comfortable as possible for future patients, aiming to reduce complications and improve recovery.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Bournemouth University

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Total Hip Replacement Total Knee Replacement

What is this study about?

When you have a hip or knee replacement, looking after your wound is a really important part of your recovery. This study aims to understand how patients manage their wound care once they've left the hospital and how well their dressings work. We're interested in your experiences, because your feedback helps us improve care for everyone.

We want to find out how closely patients follow advice on wound care, and what you think about the dressings you use – are they comfortable, do they stay in place, and do they help your wound heal? We'll also be asking about the information you receive on how to look after your wound at home, to see if it's clear and helpful.

Finally, we'll be keeping an eye on any wound-related problems that might come up in the first 12 weeks after your surgery. By gathering all this information, we hope to improve how wounds are cared for after hip and knee replacements, making the process smoother and safer for future patients.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on your wound care experience after hip or knee replacement.
It aims to improve dressings and patient information.
Participation involves routine follow-up visits over 12 weeks.
Your feedback is vital for future patient care.
You can withdraw at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are an adult, aged 18 or over, who is having your first hip or knee replacement surgery. You'll also need to be enrolled in a specific type of recovery programme called an 'ERAS pathway' at your hospital.

To join, you must be able to understand the study information and give your consent freely. This includes being able to understand written English, so you can read and understand the forms and information provided.

You wouldn't be able to join if you are having a repeat hip or knee replacement (called a 'revision'), if you have a condition that affects your ability to understand information (like some types of forgetfulness or mental health conditions), or if you can't understand written English.

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 having your first hip or knee replacement surgery?
Is your hospital following an 'ERAS' recovery plan for your surgery?
Can you read and understand information in English?
Are you willing and able to give your consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first give your permission before your operation. The study will then begin once your dressing is applied after surgery. You won't need to take any special medication for the study, as we'll be looking at your usual wound care.

We'll ask you to attend follow-up study visits at key times: when you leave the hospital, and then again after 7 days, 12 days, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks following your surgery. During these visits, we'll ask about your experiences and check your wound. We'll also use information that is already routinely collected about your health, surgery, and any medications you're taking.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your personal health, but your contribution will be very valuable. It will help doctors and nurses understand how to best care for surgical wounds and provide better information to future patients having hip or knee replacements. There are no known risks to taking part beyond the usual risks associated with your surgery and recovery. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

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

Nuffield Health Hospital Bournemouth
Verified postcode
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Bournemouth University
Verified postcode
Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is an ERAS pathway?

ERAS stands for 'Enhanced Recovery After Surgery' – it's a special care programme designed to help you recover faster and better after your operation.

Will I have to do anything differently with my wound care?

No, you will simply follow the normal wound care instructions given by your hospital. We just want to observe and understand your experiences with this standard care.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be part of the study for 12 weeks after your surgery, with a few check-ins during that time.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely voluntary. Your decision won't affect the care you receive.

What happens to the information I provide?

All information you provide will be kept confidential and used to help us understand and improve wound care for all patients.

How to find out more

Tikki Immins

timmins@bournemouth.ac.uk +441202 962727 Official trial record

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