Patients’ experiences following total knee arthroplasty: a qualitative evidence synthesis

Abstract

Purpose

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical intervention for patients with advanced arthritis. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis was to systematically review the qualitative literature on patients’ experiences following primary TKA.

Materials and methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and Embase) were searched from inception until October 2021. Pairs of reviewers independently screened search results for eligibility, analysed the quality of included studies and extracted data. We undertook a thematic synthesis and used an interpretive approach to identify recurring themes and draw a conclusion. Data were synthesised using thematic analysis and an interpretive approach was used to identify themes.

Results

Twenty-three studies exploring patients’ experiences following TKA were included. Five main themes emerged: (i) Experience of healthcare staff, (ii) Pain/Medications, (iii) Was it worth it? (iv) Social Support (v) Follow up.

Conclusions

This review highlights the variability in patients’ experiences following TKA. Whether this experience detailed their pain, function, or encounter with healthcare staff or systems, patients reported a variety of both positive and negative sentiments. Each theme invites attention to an area in which healthcare can improve to enhance patients’ experiences. The importance of patient support, individualised rehabilitation and appropriate follow-up are highlighted.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• This paper reviews patients’ experiences after undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA)

• Patients need individualised programmes, made collaboratively with health care professionals, to maximise outcomes and improve motivation.

• Improved interdisciplinary dialogue and a more holistic approach would increase patients’ confidence in their care.

• Group-based communication classes may offer an improved method for patients to communicate their worries and learn from one another.

Keywords:

• Total knee arthroplasty
• experience
• patient
• qualitative evidence synthesis
• multidisciplinary

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr. Diarmuid Stokes liaison librarian at University College Dublin, for his advice and support in developing our search strategy.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).