The STAR care pathway can have a positive effect on working relationships and communication
In terms of the care pathway’s effect on working relationships, as stated in the theme addressing coherence, some ESP participants reported that they were unsure how surgeons might feel about patients being referred back to them, and felt that such referrals should be managed, carefully and sensitively.A positive effect on working relationships was noted by one consultant who reported how the pathway had contributed to the creation of a team of expert clinicians, highly specialised in knee replacement and follow-up, and that this benefitted patients. Another consultant felt that STAR had improved communication of information across their clinical team, with regard to patients who were struggling. Training and support for delivery of the STAR care pathway was felt to be excellent, and ESPs reported feeling confident that they were supported by the trial team.