Research project Together with patients and healthcare professionals, we are developing new ways of working to support a better and more sustainable return to work after hip and knee replacement surgery.
An increasing number of working-age adults undergo hip and knee replacement surgery. Our studies have identified large regional differences in sickness absence following surgery, suggesting opportunities to improve rehabilitation and the return to work process. Through interviews and co-creation with patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders, the project will develop practical approaches to support a better and more sustainable return to work.
An increasing number of people undergo hip or knee replacement surgery while they are still of working age. For many, returning to work is an important part of recovery, benefiting both their health and financial well-being. Despite this, there is limited evidence on how healthcare can best support patients in returning to work. Our previous studies have also identified large regional differences in sickness absence following surgery, suggesting that rehabilitation and sickness certification practices could be improved.
The project is based on the idea that the best solutions are developed together with those who are directly involved. Through interviews and co-creation workshops, we will bring together patients, healthcare professionals, occupational health services, employers, and other stakeholders to identify barriers and opportunities in today's rehabilitation process. Together, we will develop practical approaches that strengthen the work-related perspective in care and rehabilitation following hip and knee replacement surgery.
The approaches developed in the project will be tested on a small scale to assess whether they are feasible and can be integrated into everyday clinical practice. The aim is not to evaluate their effects on sickness absence or return to work, but to provide a well-founded basis for future implementation and larger intervention studies.
The project aims to improve support for people returning to work after hip and knee replacement surgery. In the long term, the results may contribute to improved clinical guidance, stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, occupational health services, and employers, and a more equitable and evidence-based rehabilitation process across Sweden.
