Patient education in physiotherapy in total hip arthroplasty

Arja Piirainen, Anna-Maija Jäppinen
Purpose:

The aim of this study was to explore patient education in physiotherapy in total hip arthroplasty (THA) from patients’ and physiotherapists’ views. The overall aim was to add to the knowledge base of patient education in physiotherapy.The aim of this study was to explore patient education in physiotherapy in total hip arthroplasty (THA) from patients’ and physiotherapists’ viewpoint. The overall aim was to add to the knowledge base of patient education in physiotherapy.

Methods:

Patient education in physiotherapy in THA was studied through patients’ (n=10) and physiotherapists’(n=7) semi structed interviews. The research followed patients’ pathway from home to hospital and back home. Patients were individually interviewed four times along this pathway. Physiotherapists were interviewed in a group and individually. The data were analysed using phenomenography and narrative approaches.

Results:

According to the findings the combination of knowledge and practical elements was important as well as the role of interaction in supporting body changes and confidence in the hospital services in the pre-operative phase. At the post-operative phase, the role of moving in helping patients to prepare for going home was central. Widening the perspective to managing at home, issues like exercising, written home exercise instructions and physiotherapists’ guidance to enhance patients’ self-confidence were relevant. Patients’ narratives of patient education changed along the rehabilitation pathway. The narrative analysis produced three story models indicating that there was some need for more information, progression in the exercising program and follow-up physiotherapy. From physiotherapists’ views, the role of individuality in exercise advice and interaction, then the role of preparing patients to manage for the future, were central in coaching home rehabilitation.

Conclusion(s):

According to the results patient education was constructed from four main issues: knowledge, practical skills, body understanding and interaction with patient and physiotherapist. 

Implications:

The results yielded a deeper understanding of the phenomenon, of patient education in physiotherapy and can be used in developing patient education practices, educational skills and continuing education.

Funding acknowledgements:
Helsinki University Hospital with a special government subsidy for health sciences research (VTR) and the University of Jyväskylä.
Keywords:
patient education in physiotherapy
total hip arthroplasty
phenomenography
Primary topic:
Education: clinical
Second topic:
Orthopaedics
Third topic:
Musculoskeletal
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the HUS Ethical Committee
Provide the ethics approval number:
323/13/03/02/2009
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
Yes

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