Available on the Learning Hub
This programme is available on the NHS Learning Hub. We recommend you read the information on this webpage to find out more about the programme before you access the learning (https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/support-and-treatment-after-knee-replacement-star-surgery).
More information about the Learning Hub and the migration of elfh programmes can be found here.
About the programme
Over 110,000 total knee replacements were performed in the UK in 2019. The aim of surgery is to reduce pain and improve function, usually due to osteoarthritis. One in five patients who undergo surgery will report chronic, or long-term pain three months afterwards. Chronic pain after knee replacement is multifactorial, with biological, mechanical, and psychosocial contributing factors.
The STAR care pathway is a clinically important and cost-effective treatment for patients with chronic pain three months after total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. It is a personalised and multifaceted care pathway which addresses the multiple factors that may contribute to chronic pain through screening, early postoperative assessment, referral for targeted treatment and follow-up over one year. This was tested in a multicentre randomised controlled trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the results are published in the Lancet Rheumatology. Patients who receive STAR have reduced pain, improved recovery and fewer inpatient admissions.
The full training package is for NHS staff who are delivering the STAR Care Pathway to patients who have been identified as having moderate or severe pain at 3 months after total knee replacement. This includes Extended Scope Practitioners (ESPs), Consultant Leads and other staff involved in screening, facilitation, delivery and oversight of the STAR Care Pathway.
The overview module is for all NHS staff involved in the care of patients undergoing knee replacement.
More information
This training package was developed to enable wider delivery of the STAR care pathway. Resources required for delivery of the pathway are included with the training package, including the full document pack and training and delivery manual.
Meet the team
Michael Whitehouse
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Nick Howells
Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedics
Vikki Wylde
Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Health 
Wendy Bertram
STAR Programme Manager
Rachael Gooberman-Hill
Professor of Health and Anthropology
Andi Blackmore,
Programme Manager, HEE elearning for healthcare
Steven Thompson
Project Manager, HEE elearning for healthcare
Stephen Gibbons
Lead Learning Designer, HEE elearning for healthcare
Alan Campbell
Learning Designer, HEE elearning for healthcare
Evelyn Lyndsey
Graphic Designer, HEE elearning for healthcareNicola Kipling
Marketing and Communications Officer, elearning for healthcare
How to access
The STAR: Support and Treatment After Replacement programme is currently hosted on the NHS Learning hub. In order to access the STAR: Support and Treatment After Replacement programme, you will need a Learning Hub account. If you do not have one, then you can register by selecting the Register button below.
To view the STAR: Support and Treatment After Replacement programme, select the View button below. If you already have an account on the Learning Hub, you will also be able to login and enrol on the programme from the View button.
Not an NHS organisation?
If you are not an NHS health or care organisation and therefore do not qualify for free access to the Learning Hub, you may be able to access the service if you have an existing OpenAthens account. Please go to Learning Hub and sign in with your existing credentials.
If you do not have an existing OpenAthens account, please contact elfh directly to check whether you may be eligible for access.