Understanding the Patient Perspective When Designing Future Rehabilitation Interventions after Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery—A Patient and Public Involvement Exercise

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Following discharge from hospital, there can be variability in the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone total hip or knee replacement surgery. We invited patients who had had hip or knee replacement surgery to take part in patient and public involvement sessions to help us understand their recovery needs and how rehabilitation services could potentially be improved to meet these needs better. Materials: Patients (n = 14) were invited to one of two patient advisory group sessions which took place in a university setting. Results: Feedback from patients highlighted the need for an inclusive, evidence-based intervention that would benefit patients experiencing all levels of pain, with differing motivations for recovery. Patients desired social support with others who have had similar surgery to reduce the burden of isolation during rehabilitation. Furthermore, patients valued the involvement of their partners and carers in their rehabilitation, to provide social support and guidance on recovery. Patients also expressed a need for consistent information and expert guidance on all aspects of their recovery. Conclusions: These findings can be used to guide the design of rehabilitation interventions following hip and knee replacement and ensure that patient perspectives inform future practice.