Our Summary

The research article examines patients’ experiences with fast-track programs for elective total hip and knee replacement surgeries. Fast-track programs are designed to get patients in and out of the hospital quickly, and this study aimed to understand patients’ experiences from the time they decided to have surgery until three months after the operation.

The researchers interviewed 24 patients from three hospitals that offer fast-track care. The patients were split almost evenly between men and women, and between hip and knee replacements, with an average age of 65. The researchers identified three key phases of the patient’s journey: preparing for the surgery, the hospital stay, and recovery.

In the preparation phase, patients felt it was important to understand the risks and have clear expectations about their recovery. However, the amount and type of information each patient wanted varied greatly. During the hospital stay, patients generally had positive feelings about being admitted, starting to move around quickly after the surgery, and being discharged from the hospital soon after the operation.

During the recovery phase, patients had concerns about managing their day-to-day lives and whether their progress was normal. They also had questions about why their recovery wasn’t meeting their expectations.

Across all phases, the study found that patients valued a personalized, patient-centered approach to their care. This means that healthcare providers should consider each patient’s unique needs and preferences when planning and providing care. The researchers concluded that focusing more on the recovery period after patients leave the hospital could improve patient satisfaction and recovery outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What are fast-track programs for elective total hip and knee replacement surgeries?
  2. What were the key findings from the patient interviews about their experiences with fast-track programs?
  3. How did the patients feel about their recovery and the information provided to them during the preparation phase and recovery phase?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about knee replacement is to actively participate in physical therapy and follow the recommended exercise program. This will help improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the knee joint, ultimately leading to a quicker and more successful recovery. It is important to follow the guidance of healthcare providers and to communicate any concerns or questions about the recovery process. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help support overall joint health and function.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery are those who have severe knee pain that limits their everyday activities, have not had success with other treatments such as physical therapy or medications, have knee stiffness or swelling that does not improve with rest or medication, have knee deformity, have arthritis that has progressed to a point where it causes significant pain and limits mobility, and have exhausted all other treatment options. Additionally, patients who are generally healthy and able to tolerate surgery are good candidates for knee replacement.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after knee replacement surgery can be summarized as follows:

  • Preparing for surgery: Patients research and consult with healthcare providers to understand the procedure, risks, and expectations. They may also undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are medically fit for surgery.

  • Hospital stay: Patients undergo the knee replacement surgery and begin the recovery process. They are typically encouraged to start moving and walking soon after the operation to promote healing. Patients may spend a few days in the hospital before being discharged.

  • Recovery: After leaving the hospital, patients continue their recovery at home. They may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the first few weeks. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises are often prescribed to help patients regain strength and range of motion in their knee. It is common for patients to have questions and concerns about their progress during this phase.

Overall, the patient’s journey before and after knee replacement surgery involves preparation, hospitalization, and recovery, with a focus on personalized care and support throughout the process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery?
  2. What can I expect in terms of pain management during and after the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery timeline for my specific situation?
  4. Will physical therapy be necessary after the surgery, and if so, what does that entail?
  5. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  6. How long can I expect the knee replacement to last?
  7. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a problem with the knee replacement?
  8. Will I need any assistive devices or home modifications to aid in my recovery?
  9. What can I do to optimize my recovery and rehabilitation process?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to knee replacement that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Berg U, Berg M, Rolfson O, Erichsen-Andersson A. Journal: J Orthop Surg Res. 2019 Jun 21;14(1):186. doi: 10.1186/s13018-019-1232-8. PMID: 31227003