Web-Based Conversational Assistant After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Overview

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed elective orthopaedic procedures. Following hospital discharge, patients must manage pain, wound care and home rehabilitation with limited professional support. This pragmatic randomised pilot trial will evaluate whether a web-based conversational postoperative assistant, used in addition to standard care, improves patient satisfaction and exercise adherence during the first 6 weeks after TKA. Forty to sixty patients undergoing primary elective TKA will be randomised 1:1 to standard care with or without access to the conversational assistant. The primary outcome is overall patient satisfaction at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, exercise adherence, unplanned healthcare contacts and postoperative complications.

This single-centre pragmatic randomized pilot trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a web-based conversational postoperative assistant following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either standard postoperative care alone or standard care plus access to the conversational assistant for 6 weeks after surgery. The assistant provides evidence-based postoperative education, recovery guidance, answers to common patient questions, and safety-oriented recommendations. The primary outcome is overall patient satisfaction at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, exercise adherence, unplanned healthcare contacts, and postoperative complications. The study is designed to generate preliminary evidence to support the development of a larger definitive randomized controlled trial.