Patient-reported outcomes following participation in a preoperative peer support programme for total knee replacement: A prospective observational cohort study.

PURPOSE: Total knee replacement (TKR) is a highly successful operation; however, a proportion of patients remain dissatisfied following surgery, often related to unmet preoperative expectations. In response, Arthritis UK developed a pilot peer support programme for patients awaiting joint replacement. This study evaluated short-term changes in patient-reported experience following participation in the programme among patients awaiting TKR.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study included patients scheduled for primary TKR who participated in a structured peer support programme delivered in small group sessions. Participants completed a 10-item programme-specific questionnaire rated on a 10-point visual analogue scale immediately before peer support, and on average after the second session. A composite experience score was calculated using mean item scores when at least 80% of items were completed. Pre-post changes were analysed using paired statistical tests.

RESULTS

Seventy participants were included in the analysis. The composite experience score increased by 1.2 points (standard deviation [SD] = 1.3), from 5.7 (SD = 1.3) pre-intervention to 6.9 (SD = 1.1) post-intervention. Patients reported increases in perceived emotional support and confidence in knowing what to expect from the operation and recovery period. Improvements were also observed in satisfaction with management plans and perceived ability to manage health. No significant changes were observed in self-reported preoperative anxiety or in the perceived impact of joint pain on daily life.

CONCLUSION

Participation in the peer support programme was associated with short-term improvements in overall patient-reported experience, particularly knowledge, emotional support, perceived control over health and treatment-related satisfaction. These findings suggest that peer support may complement standard preoperative education by influencing how patients understand and emotionally experience their surgical journey. Further controlled studies with longer follow-up are required to determine causality and evaluate whether these short-term changes are sustained and associated with post-operative satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.