Virtual joint school prior to hip and knee arthroplasty: patient feedback and carbon footprint savings

Patient education programmes prior to hip and knee arthroplasty reduce anxiety and create realistic expectations. We describe a 'virtual joint school' (VJS) model and analyse patient feedback and environmental impact.

Eligible patients first viewed online educational videos, and then attended an interactive virtual session during which knowledge was reinforced. Each session was attended by eight to ten patients along with a relative or friend, and was hosted by a multidisciplinary team consisting of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and a former patient who provided personal insight. Feedback was obtained prospectively using an electronic questionnaire, and travel savings were calculated using Python software.

From July 2022 to February 2023, 267 patients attended the VJS; of whom 117 (44%) responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 87% found the pre-learning videos helpful and comprehensible, 92% felt their concerns were adequately addressed, 96% felt they had sufficient opportunity to ask questions and 96% were happy with the level of confidentiality involved. Although 83% felt they received sufficient support from the health board to access the virtual session, 63% also took support from family/friends to attend it. Only 15% felt they would have preferred a face-to-face format. By having 'virtual' sessions, each patient saved, on average, 38 miles and 62min of travel (10,070 miles and 274h saved for 267 patients). Each VJS session produced 0.32kg of CO₂ compared with 110kg of CO₂ per face-to-face session.

Virtual joint schools are acceptable to patients and reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare. We recommend their implementation at other arthroplasty centres.