Abstract
PURPOSE: This descriptive study compared the outcomes of the patients who did and did not attend a hospital-based preoperative education class.
SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 150 patients undergoing total hip or total knee replacement.
METHOD: Patients completed a survey about their preparation and expectations for surgery and their experiences after surgery. Charts were reviewed for length of stay, complications, ambulation distance, and pain score. Postoperative complications were assessed during a follow-up phone call about 30 days after discharge.
RESULTS: Patients who attended the preoperative education class reported feeling better prepared for surgery and better able to control their pain after surgery. There were no significant differences between groups in length of stay, ambulation distance, pain level, or complication rate.
CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge gained from the hospital's preoperative education class did affect patient experiences. Further comparisons of face-to-face versus online structured education are warranted.