The Effect of WeChat Mini Program-Based Continuity of Care on Early Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective To evaluate the effects of a WeChat mini program–based continuity-of-care intervention on early recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 200 patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA. Before discharge, participants were randomized 1:1 to standard discharge education and follow-up alone or supplemented with a 3-month WeChat mini program intervention. Outcomes were assessed before discharge (T0), 1.5 months (T1), and 3 months (T2) after discharge. The primary outcome was change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function score from T0 to T1. Secondary outcomes included General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Knee Society Score (KSS), Barthel index, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain, and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. Generalized estimating equations were used under the intention-to-treat principle. Results At T1, WOMAC physical function improved more in the intervention group than in the control group (adjusted mean difference, −6.2; 95% CI, −9.0 to −3.4; p < .001), as did KSS (5.2; 95% CI, 2.0–8.4; p = .002). These advantages persisted at T2 for WOMAC (−6.5; 95% CI, −9.7 to −3.3; p < .001) and KSS (7.0; 95% CI, 3.4–10.6; p < .001). GSES, Barthel index, and NRS pain did not differ significantly between groups at either follow-up. SDS showed a modest improvement at T2 (−2.0; p = .020). Conclusions Adding a WeChat mini program to standard postdischarge care improved early knee-specific function after TKA, but provided no clear additional benefits for self-efficacy, daily living, or pain. Multicenter studies with longer follow-up are needed.