Nurse-led telehealth versus in-person follow-up after total knee replacement
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Nurse-Led Telehealth Versus In-Person Consultations in Detecting Complications and Improving Recovery After Total Knee Replacement
This study will test whether nurse-led telehealth visits using a mobile app can catch complications and support recovery as well as in-person nurse visits for adults after their first total knee replacement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 98 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07058623 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares nurse-led telehealth consultations delivered via the HA Go mobile app with standard in-person nursing follow-up after first-time total knee replacement. Adults within four weeks of uncomplicated discharge who can communicate in Cantonese and have a smartphone are randomized to scheduled remote or clinic visits, with nurses collecting symptom reports and recovery information. Outcomes include detection of post-surgical complications, recovery measures, and patient satisfaction collected through clinical assessment and surveys. The study is conducted at Tseung Kwan O Hospital and focuses on feasibility and clinical effectiveness of a nurse-led telehealth model in the orthopedic post-operative setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who had their first total knee replacement, are medically stable for home follow-up within four weeks of surgery, can communicate in Cantonese, and have a smartphone and internet access are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing bilateral or revision procedures, those with severe systemic disease (ASA III or higher), prolonged hospitalization or immediate intensive post-op needs, or those without Cantonese ability or telehealth resources are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, nurse-led telehealth could reduce travel and logistical burden while allowing timely detection of problems and support for recovery after knee replacement.
How similar studies have performed: Physician-led telehealth follow-up after orthopedic surgery has shown promise in prior work, but nurse-led telehealth in the post-operative orthopedic setting is less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Undergoing their first total knee replacement surgery * Within 4 weeks after surgery * Medically stable for discharge and suitable for home-based follow-up care * Have access to a smartphone and internet (for telehealth participants) * Able to communicate effectively in Cantonese * Provide informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Undergoing bilateral or revision total knee replacement surgery * Require immediate or intensive medical attention post-surgery (e.g., severe infection, hospitalization over 7 days) * Have severe systemic disease (ASA physical status classification III or higher) * Lack the technical ability or resources to participate in telehealth consultations * Unable to communicate effectively in Cantonese * Undergoing surgeries other than first-time total knee replacement
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Tseung Kwan O Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: King Sum Wong, ANC, RN, BSN, MScHSM
- Email: wks008@ha.org.hk
- Phone: +852 6385 5831
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.