Patients' discharge information needs after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a quasi-qualitative pilot study.

PURPOSE

Discharge information needs are known to be common problems for total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) patients due to surgical and technological developments of arthroplasty, treatment procedures, and reducing the duration of hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to collect individual interviews about information needs of patients who have had THA or TKA for the first time.

DESIGN/METHODS: This quasi-qualitative study was conducted in orthopedic wards of a university hospital in Turkey. Descriptive data were collected using a Patient Information Form and the Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS). Individual interviews data were collected by open-ended questions related to PLNS subscales 24-48 hours before discharge.

FINDINGS

The mean age of the 37 patients studied was 64.97 ± 13.66, 70.3% were female, 56.8% had THA for the first time. Similar to individual interviews, the patients reported that the most important learning needs were about treatment and complications, activities of living, and enhancing quality of life. In addition, patient's age had a significant impact on PLNS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study sought to determine Turkish THA or TKA patients' priority of learning needs on discharge.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

After an evaluation of the conclusions, healthcare professionals can contribute to the development of scheduling programs for patients who are discharged following THA or TKA surgical procedures.