Comparing the effectiveness of different educational programs for patients with total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effects of preadmission and postadmission educational programs for patients with total knee arthroplasty.

Design: Quasiexperimental study.

Sample: 60 total knee arthroplasty patients.

Methods: Subjects in the experimental group received preadmission preoperative teaching with an instruction booklet during a preoperative outpatient clinic visit. Upon admission to the hospital, they were presented with an educational video tape. The control group received only postadmission preoperative teaching with the same instruction booklet and no video. PREADMISSION AND POSTADMISSION: Preoperative anxiety level, knowledge about postoperative care, exercise performance and postoperative recovery were used as outcome measures.

Findings: The research results found: 1. there was no significant difference between the two groups in reduction of preoperative anxiety score: 2. the experimental group had a significantly higher knowledge level than the control group; 3. the experimental group performed exercise more regularly and correctly than those in the control group; 4. the experimental group had greater flexion of the operative knee joint than the control group.

Conclusion: Preadmission teaching with a videotape program and a health manual for patients with total knee arthroplasty is recommended.

Implications for nursing research: More indicators such as postoperative pain and patient satisfaction can be used to investigate the effectiveness of intervention. In addition, increasing the sample size is recommended for future studies.