How well does information and education given before hip or knee replacement surgery improve recovery?
To answer this question, scientists analysed 9 studies testing over 750 people, 58 to 71 years old. These people had hip or knee replacement surgery because of arthritis, an accident or another reason. Some people received written information, discussed the surgery with a health professional, watched a video or received no information. These studies provide the best evidence we have today. Why might education before surgery help with recovery? Often when other treatments do not work to provide relief in diseases such as osteoarthritis, hip or knee replacement surgery may be necessary. But, surgery can be stressful – emotionally and physically. It is thought that people who receive information and are educated about their surgery and recovery before their surgery, will be less anxious, be able to handle pain better and not have to stay in hospital long. Does it improve recovery? Studies showed that people with or without education before surgery had about the same amount of pain, were j
