Total hip replacement: patient satisfaction and early outcomes

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Patient Outcomes Research
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Total hip replacement (THR) is a common procedure to alleviate pain and improve function.
• Assessing patient satisfaction and adherence to rehabilitation is crucial for optimizing THR outcomes.
• Effective patient education and consenting processes are vital for informed decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient satisfaction with the overall healthcare experience following THR.
• To assess the functional outcomes and effectiveness of the rehabilitation program post-THR.
• To determine the effectiveness of the consenting and patient education process.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive cohort of patients undergoing THR between January 2007 and September 2008 was studied.
• A novel questionnaire was developed and administered via phone interview by an independent assessor.
• Data collected focused on patient satisfaction, rehabilitation compliance, and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

• 76% of patients reported good or better overall satisfaction with their THR experience.
• 70% of patients demonstrated good or better compliance with their post-operative rehabilitation program.
• Functional outcomes, measured by walking ability, were rated as good or better in 76% of patients.

Conclusions:

• The structured education process, including a dedicated booklet, significantly improved patient understanding.
• Identifying and addressing issues with physiotherapy services, particularly weekend cover, led to service improvements.
• The high-volume center achieved outcomes comparable to international standards, demonstrating effective patient care and problem resolution.