The long and painful path towards arthroplasty: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Patient Experience Research
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Osteoarthritis and accidents often lead to hip or knee arthroplasty.
• Patients endure prolonged pain and reduced quality of life before surgery.
• The decision for arthroplasty follows an extensive period of suffering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the patient experience during the illness period leading up to hip or knee arthroplasty.
• To identify key themes and challenges faced by patients awaiting arthroplasty.
• To inform improvements in patient preparation and pre-operative information.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with patients one month prior to arthroplasty.
• Performed thematic discourse analysis on interview data.
• Utilized qualitative research methods to capture patient perspectives.

Main Results:

• Revealed the diversity and complexity of patient experiences before arthroplasty.
• Highlighted the need for tailored information addressing individual concerns, needs, and representations.
• Identified psychological and physical acceptance as vital for prosthesis integration.

Conclusions:

• Patient preparation and pre-operative information for arthroplasty require enhancement.
• Information should be individualized to meet specific patient needs and concerns.
• Successful prosthesis integration depends on both psychological and physical patient acceptance.