Informed Patient Is Satisfied Patient - Qualitative Study of Patients' Experience after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty is "gold standard" in surgical treatment of hip osteoarthritis but we still lack quality information on patients' perspective. Preoperative narrative approach as instrument of patient-centered paradigm that provide detailed information tailored to the patients' needs, might give patient control over the whole process and better outcomes. The aim of this article is to explore the lived experience of patients from onset of disease to final treatment.

This is a qualitative study using direct content analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 33 patients who undergone total hip arthroplasty in Special hospital for orthopedics in Biograd na Moru, Croatia, 6 to 9 months after surgery. Interviews were coded and organized to themes.

Three main themes emerged and all themes were closely related to information available: 1) Pre-operation information (information about disease and coping with it, pain management, exercise for muscle and joint function maintenance), 2) Information about operation and technical information (waiting list transparency, type of implant, possible complications and risks), 3) After operation information (early rehabilitation, stationary rehabilitation, quality of life after operation).

Our findings reveal that patients experience lack of information prior to referral to our hospital. Involving patients in the process through good communication with doctor and providing extensive information on what to expect before and after surgery, and how surgery will affect quality of life, make them feel that they progress better. Identifying hidden barriers and enablers might help in patients' healing process. Our results indicate that preoperative narrative approach was a worthy time investment that contributed to patient general satisfaction.