The Pre-Op Birds trial is a randomised controlled trial with a feasibility phase which aimed to develop and pilot preoperative screening and brief behavioural intervention to reduce or cease alcohol consumption in patients before elective orthopaedic surgery.  If successful, this approach has the potential to have significant benefit in the early postoperative phase by: 

1. Reducing harmful effects on wound healing, infection and bleeding episodes

2. Preventing an escalation of complications, which will prevent early mobilisation, further impair physical functional return and prolong hospital stay. This is particularly relevant to the elective orthopaedic population where patient recovery times rely heavily on the promotion of early mobilisation

3. Ensuring a more timely return to functional independence with less reliance on family and community social support and late postoperative phase by preventing postoperative complications that reduce longevity.

The PRE-OP BIRDS Trial is based in the UK with sites in the North East of England

This website will continue to be the central communication hub for all aspects of the trial. Feel free to browse the site. We will continue to add more information as the study progresses. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Best wishes,

The PRE-OP BIRDS team

Last updated – 19/07/2017

working together as Newcastle Academic Health Partners