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Implementing the Rapid Recovery Program in primary hip and knee arthroplasty in a UK state run hospital

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Rapid Recovery Program (RRP) is an accelerated discharge programme aimed at reducing the length of stay (LOS) and improving patient satisfaction. Its principles are discussed, and our early experience of 847 hip and knee arthroplasty patients described. Three groups were identified: Pre-RRP implementation (Pre-RRP), Post-RRP implementation who did not attend our pre-operative educational Joint Replacement School (JRS) (RRP-JRS) and Post-RRP who did attend JRS (RRP + JRS). Mean LOS (days) for hip arthroplasty was 11 (Pre-RRP), 6.4 (RRP + JRS) and 8.7 (RRP-JRS) (P < 0.05). Mean LOS (days) for knee arthroplasty was 8.5 (Pre-RRP) (P < 0.05), 5.9 (RRP + JRS) and 5.8 (RRP-JRS). RRP reduced LOS and pre-operative education further reduced LOS in hip arthroplasty. We believe these effects are produced by streamlining perioperative processes, education and improving patient experience.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Rapid Recovery Team for their work in the implementation of the project and specifically Sheridan Hanson, Teresa Box and Sheridan Methuen.

Conflict of interest

No funds were received in support of this study. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust, Pield Heath Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3NN, UK

    David Gordon, Amar Malhas, Alex Goubran, Padmanabhan Subramanian, Cheryl Messer & David Houlihan-Burne

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  1. David Gordon
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  2. Amar Malhas
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  3. Alex Goubran
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  4. Padmanabhan Subramanian
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  5. Cheryl Messer
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  6. David Houlihan-Burne
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Correspondence to David Gordon.

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Gordon, D., Malhas, A., Goubran, A. et al. Implementing the Rapid Recovery Program in primary hip and knee arthroplasty in a UK state run hospital. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 21, 151–158 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-010-0690-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-010-0690-9

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