The experiences of patients undergoing total hip replacement

• Published in: Journal of orthopaedic nursing 2002-02, Vol.6 (1), p.23-29
• Main Authors: Montin, Liisa, Suominen, Tarja, Leino-Kilpi, Helena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1361-3111; 1873-4839
• DOI: 10.1054/joon.2001.0220

This qualitative study describes the experiences of total hip replacement (THR) patients before hospitalization, in hospital and following discharge. Eight men and nine women (mean age 66 years) described their experiences of being a patient, care received and of the health care organization. The participants were recovering from THR and were interviewed twice: first four days after operation and then 8–12 weeks later. Data interpretation was based on the method of content analysis. Experiences of being a THR patient included physical, psychological and social aspects. One of the main physical experiences was pain. Psychological experiences were the different kind of resources the patients had. Social experiences were changes in social roles and in social life. Experiences of care referred to how different professionals acted and how the patients were treated as individuals. Experiences of the organization before and after hospitalization were associated with external and internal services. Pain management should be further improved and patients' own resources should be taken into closer consideration when planning the care.