Research Summary
Research Summary
Integrated Care for Total Knee Replacement: Quality of Life, Quality of Movement, User Acceptability
Description
This study provides an opportunity to focus on the challenge of cross-organizational coordination in the healthcare setting. It is structured as a randomized clinical trial involving seven European hospitals (in seven different countries). It is focused specifically on the effects of improved coordination of patient care in the year following surgery, among physical therapists, nurses and physicians who are not co-located and who are typically employed by different hospitals and practices. Through the use of shared performance measures and the deliberate stimulation of communication among aftercare providers, we will attempt to create 'virtual teams' and to assess their impact on patient satisfaction and functional outcomes over the year following surgery. The proposal has just been sent to the European Commission for funding, with a decision expected by September.