What is the OPAL Trial?

The OPAL Trial has focused on how we can better support patients as they return to work after hip and knee replacement surgery. The trial will assess if the OPAL programme, a personalised, occupational support programme, has supported patients reduce the length of time until full, sustained return to work after surgery. For more information, please click on the button below.

About the OPAL Trial

The OPAL Trial update

The OPAL Trial has completed recruitment and we are now collecting the final follow-up questionnaires. For any issues relating to the follow-up questionnaires, please contact the OPAL Trial team via the "Contact Us" page. The results are expected early 2027 and will be published here once available.

The OPAL Trial results

Why is returning to work after surgery important?

Working has a number of health benefits for people. These include:

1

Mental health

Keeping the mind busy and seeing other people can help people to recover after surgery. Talking to people reduces stress and anxiety and helps them to feel better.

2

Physical health

Working helps to improve strength, stamina and flexibility as people recover after their surgery.

3

Social health

Meeting friends and colleagues outside of the home helps people to feel supported as they recover from surgery.

4

Financial health

Earning money enables people to support themselves and their family.