Worthwhile waiting – feasibility of social prescribing prehabilitation for hip and knee orthopaedic primary care patients

Purpose Personalized prehabilitation for surgery can be delivered through social prescribing. Worthwhile Waiting (WW) is a novel health and wellbeing coaching prehabilitation primary care intervention for patients referred for hip and/or knee orthopaedic procedures. This study aimed to determine the feasibility, suitability and acceptability of WW. Design/methodology/approach This mixed-methods single-arm feasibility design study had two components: a trial component of patients recruited from five sites and undertaking WW. Outcome measures were completed at baseline and 3 months. Trends in descriptive statistics and effect sizes for outcome measures were evaluated, and a power calculation was performed. A qualitative component comprised semi-structured interviews (n = 12) with patients and staff about WW. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Findings were evaluated against success criteria. Findings Thirty four participants (n = 34) were recruited. All success criteria were met. An average of five participants were recruited per month. A WW champion to engage staff and a written plan or taster sessions were recommended. Positive trends were observed for most outcome measure and a sample size was calculated for a full trial. Good relationships with partner organisations and understanding their services made WW feasible. Activities needed to be accessible to be suitable. Interventions were acceptable; patients valued activity participation and conversations and access to information which the staff provided. Originality/value Social prescribing by health and wellbeing coaches in primary care for patients waiting for hip and/or knee orthopaedic procedures is feasible, suitable and acceptable in this study.