Podcast to prevent constipation before and after orthopedic surgery
The Effect of Information About Constipation Via a Podcast for Patients Prior to Planned Orthopaedic Surgery - a Randomised Controlled Trial.
This study is testing whether a podcast that shares tips about preventing constipation can help patients having orthopedic surgery avoid this problem before and after their operations.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Central Jutland Regional Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Silkeborg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06877078 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a podcast designed to provide information about constipation for patients scheduled for orthopedic surgeries such as knee, hip, shoulder, and back operations. The study will assess the impact of this podcast on the incidence of constipation both at the time of surgery admission and in the postoperative period. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the podcast or standard care, with a target sample size of 600 patients to ensure robust results. The trial will take place at the Elective Surgery Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, from March to October 2025.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for knee, hip, shoulder, or back surgery who can understand and navigate digital content in Danish.
Not a fit: Patients with severe hearing loss, cognitive dysfunction, or gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of constipation in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, improving their overall recovery experience.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of podcasts for patient education is gaining traction, this specific approach to preventing postoperative constipation through a podcast is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Is 18 years or older. * Has a scheduled back, shoulder, knee, or hip operation at the Elective Surgery Centre * Is able to read, speak and understand Danish. * Has an email address and gives consent to contact via email * Has access to and is able to navigate a computer, tablet or smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Is unable to listen to the podcast, due to severe hearing loss. * Is affected by cognitive dysfunction or mental illness that makes participation difficult. * Is participating in other trials at the Elective Surgery Centre. * Is diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition, this being Crohns, Colitis ulcerosa, or celiac disease. * Has previously received a colostomy or ileostomy.
Where this trial is running
Silkeborg
- Silkeborg Regional Hospital — Silkeborg, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Charlotte Weiling Appel, Ph.d. — Regional Hospital Central Jutland, Medical Diagnostic Centre
- Study coordinator: Charlotte Weiling Appel, Ph.d.
- Email: chaapp@rm.dk
- Phone: +45 61263630
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.