Pre-operative education for patients undergoing total hip replacement: A comparison of two methods

Abstract

It is generally agreed that patients undergoing hip replacement surgery benefit if they adhere to the post-operative regime taught pre-operatively. This study compares the effectiveness of two methods of pre-operative education. Forty-two patients in two closely associated orthopaedic units were randomly assigned to one of two groups which were matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status. Twenty-one patients were asked to read instructional materials only and 21 patients were given an identical instruction pack plus personal explanation and demonstration of exercises. Patients' recall of exercises and recognition of advice given were assessed on the first post-operative day. Each patient was interviewed the next day concerning the content and delivery of the information. The study provides a preliminary indication of the importance of written pre-operative information, since both teaching methods appeared to be equally effective in imparting information.