Important Life Domains and Satisfaction Levels in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate what total hip arthroplasty patients consider important domains of life and to monitor changes in these priorities and their associated satisfaction levels. A secondary purpose was to examine other arthritis scales and satisfaction scores. Data were collected preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Patients were asked to select the five most important domains of their lives, to report their satisfaction levels in these domains, and to complete two arthritis scales (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2). Completed questionnaire data were collected from 434 patients at all three time points (valid response rate: 77.9%). The most important domains of life were Personal health, Locomotion/limp, Independence in activities of daily living, Family, and Relationships. A majority of females selected Housework as an important life domain; a majority of males selected Work. Patients ≥ 65 years were more likely to select Independence in activities of daily living. Satisfaction scores improved between pre-operative and 6 months post-operative assessments. Age and gender were associated with choice of important life domains. To assess the important domains of life of total hip arthroplasty patients, nurses must consider the patient's perspective.