Preoperative education in hip and knee arthroplasty patients in Bloemfontein

Abstract

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are frequently performed surgeries worldwide. Preoperative education enhances patient physiotherapy management and satisfaction and should be tailored to patients’ educational needs. Limited research is available regarding the preoperative educational needs for these patients.Objectives: To determine the extent of preoperative education received and the preoperative educational needs of patients undergoing THA and TKA.Method: A structured interview utilising a self-developed questionnaire was used and included questions exploring preoperative education, educational needs, method of education and health care professional providing education. A total of 14 THA and 36 TKA patients, 2–4 days post-operatively at private hospitals in Bloemfontein, were conveniently sampled.Results: All participants had arthroplasties because of osteoarthritis. All participants with THA and 35 (98%) participants with TKA received preoperative education from orthopaedic surgeons, and 8 (57%) participants with THA and 9 (25%) participants with TKA received preoperative education from physiotherapists. Education was mostly given as pamphlets months before the surgery. Participants received the least amount of information regarding exercises, especially preoperative exercise, pain relief and activities of daily living.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for improvement in patient engagement and education, together with enhanced health care practitioner communication and collaboration. Patient centeredness and individualised THA and TKA preoperative education programmes are recognised as a necessary attribute of quality health care and can lead to improved THA and TKA outcomes. The importance of exercise as part of preoperative interprofessional education in the management of THA and TKA should be emphasised as exercise is the cornerstone for rehabilitation of THA and TKA.Clinical implications: This study aimed to emphasise the importance of tailored preoperative education for THA and TKA patients to improve patient outcomes.

Healthcare professionals’ proposed eHealth needs in elective primary fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty journey: A qualitative interview study

“…In line with previous literature, a need for digital educational material and videos with checklists and reminders for the activities and their schedules was noted. These should, however, be implemented in connection to increasing the transparency of the journey (Hansen, ) and surgical eligibility criteria (e.g., optimisation of comorbidities, malnutrition and weight reduction in morbidly obese patients, and reduction in alcohol consumption and smoking), preparation for surgery and discharge (e.g., mobilisation on the day of THA surgery, information on intended LOS, well‐defined discharge criteria), how to prepare for postdischarge care regarding rehabilitation (e.g., muscle strength, knee extension and flexion, how to use walking aids and for how long; Barnes et al, ; Hansen, ; Heikkinen et al, ; Pieper et al, ) and recovery (e.g., regular use of analgesic, wound care, the symptoms of wound infection, and other complications; Burden, ).…”

Educational Intervention in Rehabilitation to Improve Functional Capacity after Hip Arthroplasty: A Scoping Review

“…The ageing process, with its numerous anatomical and physiological changes, contributes to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases and the consequent increase of people in a situation of dependency [ 1 , 2 ]. These physiological changes manifest themselves with balance deficits; postural control maintenance; muscle atrophy; weakness; and changes in cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and awareness, with contributions to the increased risk of falling and the decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) [ 1 ].…”

“…With aging, joints suffer progressive wear and tear of the cartilage and structures involved, with osteoarthritis being the leading cause of functional disability and the hip joint being one of the most affected [ 1 , 2 ]. These factors, together with an increase in average life expectancy, mean that a large part of the elderly population suffers from pain and limited functional capacity to perform ADLs [ 2 ].…”

“…With aging, joints suffer progressive wear and tear of the cartilage and structures involved, with osteoarthritis being the leading cause of functional disability and the hip joint being one of the most affected [ 1 , 2 ]. These factors, together with an increase in average life expectancy, mean that a large part of the elderly population suffers from pain and limited functional capacity to perform ADLs [ 2 ]. In addition, we must also consider the loss of bone and muscle mass, which leads to a greater predisposition to falls and consequently fractures, with the most frequent ones occurring in the upper extremity of the femur, namely, in its neck and trochanteric region.…”