Table 1:
Patient research priorities elicited from the focus group discussion
| Research theme | Research topics |
|---|---|
| Avoiding knee replacement surgery | Information on lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, diet, exercise) to prevent or delay osteoarthritis |
| Improving other surgical techniques (e.g., arthroscopy) to avoid or delay need for knee replacement surgery | |
| Managing knee symptoms (e.g., use of pain medication) to avoid or delay need for knee replacement surgery | |
| Preparing for and deciding when to have knee replacement surgery | Understanding differences between patient and surgeon views on the right time for knee replacement surgery |
| Improving wait times for surgery | |
| Effectively managing knee pain before surgery (e.g., medication, complementary and alternative medicine such as massage, homeopathy, diet) | |
| Information on lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, diet, exercise) before surgery to improve recovery after surgery | |
| Improving patient understanding of what to expect during and after surgery | |
| Providing emotional and psychological support to patients before surgery from other patients | |
| Providing emotional and psychological support to patients before surgery from professional counsellors | |
| Knee implants | Improving knee implants that allow for kneeling, squatting and walking downhill |
| Surgical cuts | Improving surgical practices (e.g., stitching) for best healing and scar minimization |
| Understanding the role of genetics in surgical scar formations | |
| Recovery in hospital | Managing other illnesses while in hospital including medication interaction |
| Promoting respectful behaviour between patients and clinicians in clinical settings | |
| Improving practices for physiotherapy after surgery | |
| Understanding differences between the patient and clinician views on the right time to discharge from the hospital | |
| Effectiveness of discharge to a rehabilitation hospital before being sent home | |
| Recovery longer term (i.e., after hospital discharge) | Integrating family doctors into recovery after surgery at the hospital and after discharge from hospital |
| Exploring the best role of the surgeon after hospital discharge | |
| Effective use of pain medication after hospital discharge | |
| Effective support from the health care system after surgery | |
| Effective self-management after hospital discharge | |
| Promoting exercise following surgery | |
| Providing effective support to patients with ongoing recovery problems |