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Published on: September 7, 2022
Orthopaedic Nurses' Perceptions of Preoperative Education for Total Knee Replacement
Renee Causey-Upton1, Dana M Howell, Patrick H Kitzman
1Renee Causey-Upton, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L, Associate Professor and BSOS Program Coordinator, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond. Dana M. Howell, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Full Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond. Patrick H. Kitzman, PhD, PT, Full Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington. Melba G. Custer, PhD, OT/L, Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, Spalding University, Louisville, KY. Emily V. Dressler, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.
Background:
Limited descriptions of preoperative education programs for total knee replacement (TKR) surgery are provided in the literature, and the most effective program design is currently unknown.
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe orthopaedic nurses' perceptions of preoperative education prior to TKR surgery.
Methods:
Ten participants completed phone interviews and transcripts were analyzed qualitatively for themes among participants.
Results:
Participants believed that preoperative education was a significant component impacting patient outcomes following surgery. Interprofessional preoperative education was valued, but pragmatic factors were identified as barriers to the inclusion of other disciplines within these programs. Education programs were constantly evolving on the basis of evidence-based practice and changes to orthopaedic protocols. Pragmatic factors influenced all aspects of program design, such as the timing and length of education sessions.
Conclusions:
Results from this study provide descriptions of factors that influence program design and can be used to restructure education programs for improved patient outcomes.
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