Postoperative Patient Education in Physiotherapy after Hip Arthroplasty : Patients' Perspective

Abstract

Objective The objective of the present study was to explore postoperative patient education in physiotherapy from total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients' perspectives, which has been a little‐studied area of research. The usefulness of rehabilitation protocols after THA has been debated over the years, and there are no clear guidelines for physiotherapy after THA

Methods The data for the present qualitative study were collected from nine patients with THA by using individual interviews at the hospital after surgery. The interviews were audio‐recorded and analysed by using a phenomenographic method

Results Four different categories of postoperative patient education in physiotherapy after hip arthroplasty were produced: trust while in hospital; preparing for going home; managing at home; and regaining physical fitness. These categories were analysed through the following themes: moving; exercising; and interaction between the patient and the physiotherapist

Conclusions The postoperative patient education in physiotherapy was constructed hierarchically. According to patients' conceptions, the combination of moving and exercising elements that focused on recovery at home after the operation was essential. This requires a trusting relationship between the patient and the physiotherapist. Two critical aspects can be identified: (i) how the role of moving could shift towards preparing for going home and (ii) widening the perspective from preparing for going home to managing at home.