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Abstract
Background: There are an increasing number of people undergoing hip and knee joint replacement each year; approximately 68,000 hip and 76,000 knee replacements, respectively, are performed in England and Wales. Joint replacements serve to reduce pain and improve function.
Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative literature review is to gain an in depth understanding into participants’ postoperative experiences following hip and knee replacement in order to establish if participants can be better supported post joint replacement and whether preoperative education can be enhanced.
Methods: Searches were carried out in 13 online scientific databases (January 1995 to October 2016) to identify relevant studies. The quality of studies was assessed, data were extracted and analysed using thematic synthesis.
Results: A total of 197 studies were identified and screened against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Three broad themes were identified; coping with pain, recovering function and the challenges of discharge. In general, pain was poorly understood and difficulties arose with the appropriate management postoperatively. The recovery process took commitment and required individuals to have realistic expectations. Participants also felt the need for individualised care as they approached discharge.
Conclusions: Overall qualitative evidence surrounding postoperative views of participants is limited. It appears current preoperative education does not fulfil the majority of participants’ needs. Utilising the views of participants may help to tailor preoperative education or provide alternative support postoperatively. Future research should focus on clarifying the effect of a well-constructed and well-delivered preoperative education sessions.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Emily Dore-Smith
Emily Dore-Smith is a rotational physiotherapist currently working in a NHS trust in Hampshire. She graduated from Bournemouth University in 2017 and is interested in how qualitative research can allow us to learn from patients' perspectives to inform future practice.
Clare Killingback
Dr Clare Killingback is a Physiotherapy Lecturer at Bournemouth University. Since graduating as a physiotherapist from the University of Nottingham in 1999, she has worked in various NHS trusts. Clare has also worked in some remote corners of the world including Nepal, East Timor, Afghanistan, Egypt and Iraq. This has taught her to be a creative and flexible practitioner. In 2016 Clare completed her PhD at Bournemouth University. Her research interests lie in the areas of physical activity, social isolation, older people and pedagogy. She is passionate about helping the next generation of physiotherapists become excellent in utilising evidence-based practice.