NCT07598539 · University of Pittsburgh
Knee Replacement Rehabilitation Care Pathways
What this study is about
Previous research has shown that use of rehabilitation (including physical therapy) and the recovery of function after knee replacement surgery may differ depending on patients' race, sex, income or insurance, and geographic location.
View original scientific description
Previous research has shown that use of rehabilitation (including physical therapy) and the recovery of function after knee replacement surgery may differ depending on patients' race, sex, income or insurance, and geographic location. In this study, the investigators will develop and test a new care pathway for knee replacement rehabilitation that is designed to maximize functional recovery for all patients and reduce differences between different groups of patients. Findings from this project will lead to improved rehabilitation quality after knee replacement surgery.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
TKA Journey - patient education
The investigators' team are co-developing new patient education materials with patients and physical therapists, to be presented at the pre-operative "total joint class" that patients awaiting knee and hip replacement attend prior to their surgery. These new materials replace previous slides that were presented about rehabilitation post-knee replacement.
OTHER
Optimized Rehab Scheduling
For all patients in the 'intervention' cohort, the home health physical therapist will receive instruction to assist the patient with scheduling their first outpatient physical therapy session, to avoid unnecessary gaps in care between home health discharge and outpatient physical therapy evaluation.
BEHAVIORAL
Usual Rehab
Participants in the usual rehab group will continue to follow the current standard-of-care rehabilitation pathway for patients post-TKA.
BEHAVIORAL
Physical Therapist reminders
Along with implementation of the new patient education materials, outpatient physical therapists will receive reminder materials regarding the preferred elements of the current standard-of-care "prehabilitation" visit --- a single outpatient physical therapy visit that patients awaiting total knee replacement are instructed to attend prior to their surgery. Instructions exist regarding the content of these visits, but physical therapists in the system have not received updated materials or reminders regarding the content of the visits in quite some time. This will serve as a reminder of "best practices" and re-education to the prehabilitation process.
Primary outcome measures
Patient Satisfaction
Time frame: 3 months post-TKA surgery
A patient satisfaction survey will be collected at 3 months post-operative, to query all patients' satisfaction with pre-operative education, ease of scheduling of post-TKA rehabilitation, and perceptions of the overall post-TKA rehab pathway. A modified version of the PSQ-III patient satisfaction survey will be used, in which each construct is rated by the patient on a 1-5 scale, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction with care.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- scheduled to receive unilateral TKA surgery at a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital
- plans to utilize UPMC Home Health and/or UPMC Rehab Institute for home health and/or outpatient rehabilitation post-operatively
Exclusion criteria
- does not undergo planned surgery
- does not receive any post-TKA rehabilitation at UPMC facilities
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations