A project using technology to see how some Norfolk patients are recovering from hip and knee replacements is up for a national award.
The Orthopaedic Clinical Research team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the University of East Anglia (UEA) Health Economics team have been shortlisted for the Gaitsmart study.
This ran at the hospital between 2020 and 2022 to develop and test a system to study mobility and improve a patient’s gait after a joint replacement.
It saw a device digitally monitor how patients were walking, and how they coped with strengthening exercises to build their limbs back up after surgery.
The results from the trial it was helping people recover while also helping to save the NHS money.
Professor Iain McNamara, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at NNUH, said:
“Mobility is a fundamental aspect of healthy ageing and one of the few medical fields where technology is rarely used. We are delighted that this project is shortlisted for this national award.
“It has demonstrated how technology may improve patient care by enabling more patients to receive rehabilitation following surgery. Physiotherapists are also freed up for those who would benefit from one-to-one care the most. We are looking forward to seeing how this develops to help patients across the NHS.”
