Optimizing perioperative care for gynaecological patients.

Resumption of work activities after gynaecological surgeries takes much longer than expected, irrespective of surgical technique and level of invasiveness. Considering the high costs of sick leave and the adverse consequences of sick leave for employees in combination with the high number of gynaecological procedures performed annually in the Netherlands, prolonged sickleave induce unnecessary high costs for the society.
In this study we will study the (cost)effectiveness of a transmural, perioperative care program for gynaecological patients.

Compared to usual care, a new perioperative care program will improved recovery and accelerated resumption of (work)activities. Resumption of work contributes significantly to QOL and will
prevent disability due to general and mental health problems and associated financial deprivation. Moreover, the program will reduce direct and indirect costs for the Dutch society.

1. Baseline;

2. 2 weeks;

3. 6 weeks;

4. 12 weeks;

5. 6 months;

6. 12 months.

Control group: Usual care.



Intervention group: Multidisciplinary peri-operative care program including an interactive weblog and additional workplace intervention in case of delayed recovery. The interactive weblog provides patient-tailored detailed instructions on the resumption of (work)activities. These
recommendations are based on consensus achieved among gynaecologists, GPs, OPs and GPs using a structural consensus method, including a systematic review. The weblog additionally provides tools to improve self-empowerment and to improve the communication between patients, care-providers and employers, preventing conflicting recommendations. Patients'
recovery can be closely monitored by the weblog, allowing the application of a very successful workplace (participative ergonomy) intervention to improve patients’ recovery and reduce sick-leave.