Rehabilitation and total hip replacement: patients' perspectives on provision

This paper examines the effectiveness of the rehabilitation component of total hip replacement (THR). It focuses on contrasting rehabilitation regimes in two hospitals in the north of England. Using qualitative methods, patients' perceived needs and goals are described, and the responsiveness of the interventions to their requirements is examined. The provision of information, equipment, and therapy was found to be useful in terms of preparing patients for their operation and facilitating their recovery, but less so in terms of helping them cope with any problems experienced after the operation. Drawing on patients' perspectives, a set of guidelines for good practice in rehabilitation for THR is presented.