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Decision-making regarding total knee replacement surgery: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Tracey O'Neill1, Clare Jinks, Bie Nio Ong
1Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Primary Care Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK. t.o'neill@cphc.keele.ac.uk
BMC Health Services Research
|April 12, 2007
Summary
The decision to have total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is complex, influenced by social factors and patient expectations. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in guiding patients through this decision-making process for knee osteoarthritis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Qualitative Health Research
- Patient Decision-Making
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread condition causing disability and reduced quality of life.
- Total knee replacement (TKR) is effective for severe knee OA but faces unmet demand in the UK.
- Understanding TKR decision-making factors is vital to address treatment gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors influencing the decision-making process for total knee replacement (TKR) surgery.
- To synthesize existing qualitative research on patient perspectives regarding TKR.
- To identify key considerations in the TKR surgical decision.
Main Methods:
- A meta-synthesis of ten qualitative studies was performed.
- The process involved systematic steps of literature review and interpretation.
- Second-order and third-order interpretations of decision-making were extracted.
Main Results:
- Social and cultural aspects of aging influence expectations of knee OA and TKR.
- The role of the healthcare professional emerged as the most significant theme.
- Patient coping strategies and life context impact TKR outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The TKR decision-making process is intricate, involving multiple patient considerations.
- Synthesized evidence highlights the critical role of healthcare professionals in TKR decisions.
- Addressing patient expectations and context is key for effective TKR treatment pathways.