Thumbs up to rehab app

The smartphone app, launched by the CSIRO, is designed to support patients in their pre-surgery preparation and rehabilitation programs. It is currently being trailed with up to 300 patients in five hospitals across Australia.

The Total Knee Replacement app, designed in collaboration with manufacturer Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, provides patients with practical information including physiotherapy demonstration videos, pre-surgery checklists, reminders and information in text, video and audio format.

Total knee replacement procedures in Australia rose by 77 per cent between 2003 and 2014.

CSIRO health and biosecurity director Rob Grenfell said the technology had the potential to make a huge difference to patient recovery.

"As more Australians face surgical treatment for osteoarthritis, more work needs to be done to understand how we can deliver accessible and cost-effective services for patients and clinicians," Dr Grenfell said.

"This study will allow us to understand the ways in which the app changes the patient experience.

Orthopaedic specialist Dr Michael Hunter hoped the interactive app would help patients stay on track.

"Studies have demonstrated that sound pre-operative preparation and post-operative rehabilitative exercises following a total knee replacement can improve outcomes by increasing muscle strength, improving joint function, restoring functional mobility, preventing deep vein thrombosis and shortening recovery times," Dr Hunter said.

The technology also includes a wearable activity tracker to encourage basic exercise, track sleep and self monitor progress. This is linked to a website where clinicians can tailor programs and monitor patient progress remotely.

The trial is under way at Gosford Private Hospital in NSW, and Mater Hospital Brisbane and Mater Private Hospital Brisbane in Queensland.

It will compare the recovery process of patients who receive the normal standard of care with those who also use the app.