The knowledge of patients after total hip arthroplasty regarding postsurgical recommendations and physiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Physiotherapy and education are indispensable after total hip arthroplasty. The aim of the study was to assess the patients' level of knowledge about total hip arthroplasty, physiotherapy and everyday functioning after the surgery and to determine factors which affect this knowledge. Material and methods: The study included 31 patients aged 57.03±14.53 years who underwent total hip arthroplasty. The authors' own questionnaire which verified the patients' knowledge about postsurgical procedures was used as a research tool. The questions were prepared on the basis of information provided to patients by physiotherapists and included, inter alia, photos showing correct and incorrect behaviours of patients after the surgery. Results: Nearly 30% of the respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge. The Internet was the most common (43%) source of information regarding the surgery and physiotherapy for patients. As many as 25% of the patients did not search for any information. The results did not correlate with such variables as age, gender, level of education, place of living, BMI or professional activity. Conclusions: Patients' first contact with physiotherapeutic procedures takes place when they are admitted to a hospital. They rarely take advantage of out-patient presurgical physiotherapy. Patients should be given a wider access to reliable information regarding arthroplasty and physiotherapy. It may be done by preparing proper materials and making them available as well as encouraging patients to use them. It is necessary to convince patients to engage fully in the treatment process and cooperate with the therapeutic team.