Comparing patient perception of the effectiveness of two methods of delivery of orthopaedic joint replacement pre admission information in a private healthcare facility.

The findings of this study have demonstrated that a comprehensive multi disciplinary patient education program with the multimedia patient education module, in line with adult learning principles, had a positive impact on informing and preparing patients for major joint surgery, the management of their post operative pain and their six week recovery period. The intervention participants reported a statistically significant greater level of preparedness for surgery than the control group. The pre admission education group goals were to give the patient a consistent message from the multi disciplinary team, offer opportunities to ask questions, participate in discussions, to understand the role of nurses, allied health staff, surgeons and anaesthetists and engage the patient in their self efficacy, their pain management and to take an active role in their rehabilitation. A second statistically significant outcome was the intervention group patients reported the pre admission information also prepared them to a greater degree with the management of their post operative pain when compared to the control group. Regarding the secondary outcome of in-patient length of stay, the intevention patients had a 0.4 day less than the control group, it was nor statistically significant and as many factors impact length of stay it is not possible to conclude that greater study numbers would have made it significant. These findings illustrate the significance to the patient of a comprehensive pre admission program. Establishing realistic expectations of patient surgical outcomes, promoting active involvement in pain management, rehabilitation and discharge can all contribute to a more positive experience in-hospital experience and recuperative episode. This in turn may have benefits to the organisation through a decreased length of stay, the improved utilisation of staff expertise and the growth of their positive corporate image and reputation.