The POPPY study has developed into the largest UK multicentre observational study examining short and long‑term recovery after day‑case surgery.

Created by SWARM and delivered nationally through the Research and Audit Federation of Trainees, the study follows adult day‑case patients from the day of surgery using automated text message follow‑up. It records early postoperative recovery, pain, function and analgesic use, and assesses longer‑term outcomes such as quality of life, chronic post‑surgical pain and persistent opioid use at three months.

A successful four‑site pilot recruited 129 patients with excellent follow‑up rates, helping to refine the methodology before national rollout. The project addresses an important evidence gap in understanding recovery after day‑case surgery.

The POPPY study team were invited to the AoA Winter Scientific Meeting to present the latest results from this large national study into pain and recovery outcomes after day-case surgery. During an hour-long session hosted by Anaesthesia Editor Helen Laycock, previous SWARM Chair Anna Ratcliffe, SWARM Fellow Adam Brayne and Chief Investigator Mark Rockett spoke to a packed main auditorium about the study and then took a range of questions from in person and online attendees.

Access further POPPY updates and links to the publications below: