Individuals’ expectations and challenges following total hip replacement: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: Hip replacements are one of the most common operations for individuals with hip osteoarthritis. There have been numerous quantitative studies investigating the recovery from joint replacement surgery and these show how effective and satisfied patients are. However, little qualitative work has been conducted to explore patients’ actual experiences. Therefore, this study aimed to detail the experiences of individuals undergoing a total hip replacement (THR) to determine whether their expectations were met. Method: The qualitative study was nested within a longitudinal study (n = 215) that was investigating biomedical and psychosocial outcomes from THR. We interviewed a purposive sample of individuals (n = 25) 6 months after THR to explore their experiences of having a THR. Findings: Participants were aged 48–82 years. They felt disabled following the THR and some had unrealistic expectations of recovery. Most of them received minimal information and health professional support. Participants had to overcome a number of challenges such as diminished confidence, frustration over slow progress and reduced physical functioning. Conclusion: Individuals undergoing THR need to have the opportunity to discuss their expectations of THR, so there is no “false optimism”. Support requirements, following THR, need to be reviewed as they were often underestimated by patients and health professionals.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Total hip replacements (THR) due to osteoarthritis are one of the most common operations.

• Patients’ expectations of a THR are high.

• Recovery following a THR is challenging for patients and health professionals need to be aware of their support requirements.

Keywords::

• Expectations
• hip replacement
• recovery

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to all the participants who took part in this study. This work is produced by the authors under the terms of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) postdoctoral research training fellowship issued by the NIHR. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.