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Patients' and their spouses' needs after total joint arthroplasty: a pilot study
A Showalter1, S Burger, J Salyer
1Total Joint Arthroplasty Program, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
Orthopedic Nursing
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Patients and spouses undergoing total joint arthroplasty need better support during recovery transitions. Realistic expectations and improved hospital-to-home guidance are crucial for managing post-surgery challenges.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Patient Experience
- Healthcare Transitions
Background:
- Total hip and knee arthroplasty are common procedures.
- Recovery involves significant physical and psychosocial adjustments for patients and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences and unmet needs of patients and their spouses during hospitalization and recovery from total joint arthroplasty.
- To identify key areas for improving patient and family support during the recovery process.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative descriptive study utilizing videotaped focus group interviews.
- Involved a purposive sample of 5 patients and their spouses from a single health sciences center.
Main Results:
- A central theme emerged: patients and spouses require assistance with transitions.
- Challenges included difficulties resuming activities, role reversals causing spousal insecurity, and incongruence between recovery expectations and reality.
- Pain and applying hospital-learned skills at home were significant concerns.
Conclusions:
- Post-arthroplasty experiences highlight the need for support during role, relationship, ability, and behavioral changes.
- Healthcare professionals can improve outcomes by providing realistic "best case-worst case" scenario education.
- Focus groups are valuable for understanding patient needs and informing program development.