De-implementation of movement precautions after total hip replacement in a German university hospital: a best...

Total hip replacement (THR) constitutes one of the most frequently performed surgical interventions in Germany. Despite robust evidence demonstrating that routine post-operative movement restrictions neither reduce dislocation risk nor enhance functional recovery, such precautions remain commonplace.

This project aimed to assess and improve clinical practice among health care professionals in a German university hospital-including physicians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists-regarding patient education on post-operative movement precautions after THR.

This implementation project followed the 7-phase JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which uses an audit and feedback approach to promote change. A baseline audit was conducted to assess adherence to the best practice recommendation that no routine hip movement precautions should be applied to patients after THR surgery. This was followed by two implementation workshops that included evidence-based presentations and group discussions, culminating in a re-audit to assess compliance improvements.

The baseline audit revealed a compliance rate of 16.67% with the best practice recommendation. Following the intervention, compliance improved to 100%.

This project significantly enhanced adherence to best practice recommendations. Future efforts should focus on ensuring the sustainability of these short-term changes through policy integration and ongoing education, and validating the results for generalizability.

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A533.