Total hip joint replacement is becoming a common surgical procedure among older patients, and their responses to the procedure, and recovery rate from the procedure are influenced by the presurgical assessment data they receive and the post-surgical discharge information and followup care provided. Patients who are educated about the procedure and know what to expect afterwards experience an improvement in their self-care and carefully coordinated discharge planning and support can be greatly beneficial in these circumstances (Fielden, Scott and Horne, 2003). Because of a shortage of hospital beds, and increasing health care costs, patients are being discharged earlier and it is necessary to make sure that they can handle their discharge self-care so that they can have an uneventful recovery.
A. Purpose centered on specific issues and factors
Fielden, Scott and Horne (2003) investigated the experiences of 33 total hip joint replacement (THJP) patients from two hospitals who were either discharged early (after fewer than five days in hospital) or late (after five or more days in hospital) to determine their expectations and satisfaction with in-hospital discharge planning. During the early rehabilitation stage after THJR, patients have a limited capacity for self-care. Patients usually experience immediate relief from pain and movement restriction, their physical functions are restricted and mobility aids are required in the early stages of rehabilitation.
Patients in the study of Fielden, Scott and Horne (2003) were surveyed for their evaluation of preassessment information they received from various members of a multidisciplinary team, and the discharge planning information they received prior to leaving the hospital. Overall, the study showed that the patients were only partially satisfied with the information received on both occasions. They did not feel they had time to ask specific questions at the preassess...