Patient Voices: How Pre-Hab Classes Are Changing Lives Before Surgery

Local classes offered to NHS Western Isles elective patients up to 12 weeks prior to their surgery have been hailed a resounding success.

The classes, for elective total hip and total knee replacement patients, are held weekly at the Lewis Sports Centre, and consist of up to 14 patients attending.  Those eligible are given class details at their initial meeting with their Consultant.

The NHS Western Isles Arthroplasty Team, led by Nicola Libby, Arthroplasty Practitioner, and supported by the Quality Improvement Team, recently obtained feedback from class patients.

85% of patients stated they found the class “really helpful”, whilst also welcoming the chance to meet other members of their NHSWI pre- and post-care team, including Dietitians, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. 

In addition, several patients mentioned that having dietetic support at the classes benefited them greatly, helping them to lose weight and adopt a more healthier lifestyle for the future.

Whilst one patient remarked, “I loved it (the classes) and meeting all the team really helped me so much!”, additional feedback reported on how friendly and supportive the class team was.

Nicola Libby, NHS Western Isles Arthroplasty Practitioner, said “We are delighted with the success of these classes; they are a great team effort by everyone involved, and to see these excellent results is so rewarding.

“Many people worry that exercising will increase their pain and cause further joint damage.  However, while resting painful joints may make them feel more comfortable at first, too much rest can increase stiffness.  Whilst patients await their surgery, it is important to strengthen their muscles as much as possible, as this will aid their recovery.  It is important to find the right balance between rest and exercise, and at the Pre-Hab class we offer a range of exercises that involve taking joints through a range of movement which should feel comfortable.  Each of the exercises can also be adapted, if necessary, to suit the individual patient.”  

All patients enjoyed the in-person group sessions and having the ability to chat to others undergoing similar procedures, and feeling confident to keep on with their post-surgery exercising at home.

Nicola added, “Now that we have seen how much these classes benefit local patients in their recovery, we have many more ideas to enhance the service, so watch this space!” 

Photos:
1 – NHSWI Pre-Hab team members: Don Murray (Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor), Nicola Libby (Arthroplasty Practitioner), Amber MacVicar (Occupational Therapist) and Johan MacRitchie (Physiotherapist).  Missing from photo is Jackie MacLean, Dietetic Assistant.

2 and 3 – Pre-Hab Class