The effect of nursing program for promoting the recovery of older patients with total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research. a two-group study conducted as a time series with pre- and post-test measurement, aimed to study the effect of the nursing program the recovery of older adult after total knee arthroplasty. The sample was older adult who had treatment by total knee arthroplasty . The sample consisted of 34 patient, divided into an experimental group (n=17) and a control group (n=17). The instruments included a nursing program for enhancing recovery in elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, medical and treatment record forms, post-operative pain score recording forms, knee range of motion assessment forms, and flat surface walking ability assessment forms. Data were collected at multiple time points: once immediately post-operatively, at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-operatively, before discharge, and at follow-up appointment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparison of mean differences before and after program participation using Mann-Whitney U test, (p<.05),
Results: The experimental group showed significantly reduced pain scores from 24-72 hours postoperatively (p<.05). Knee ROM >90 degrees showed no significant differences between groups (p>.05), with both demonstrating good recovery. Walking capability was significantly better in the experimental group at 48 and 72 hours (p<.05). Hospital stay averaged 7.5±1.5 days (experimental) versus 8.4±2.0 days (control), p=0.332. The experimental group had no complications; the control group had 4 cases (23.5%) of knee stiffness (p=0.103).