A Study on Improving Nursing Instruction for Post Total Knee Replacement Patients in Orthopedic Ward in Taiwan

Preparation, education, continuity of care for patients are essential after a total knee replacement, especially they are almost elderly. The patient and family members are most likely to be scared and frustrated because it is difficult for them to get around with home care after a total knee replacement. The purpose of this study was designed to promote the nursing instruction rate for post total knee replacement patients in orthopedic ward. In our work place, we found unsatisfied  poor outcomes with the home care of post total knee replacement patients; therefore, we carry on root cause analysis and provide strategies for solving the problem: reinforced education and training programs for nurses in ward; physicians, nurses and therapists co-produced the education video for taking care of total knee replacement patients; established protocols of post total knee replacement care and set up the knee replacement care operational standards and check-up system for nurses. After the project was conducted, the testing score of nurses with knowledge of post knee replacement care rose from 74.5 to 100, and the complete rate of nursing instruction for post total knee replacement patients lifted from 62.5% to 95.7%. This study proved that interdisciplinary teamwork enhances more the good quality care for patient. A complete health education measure not only can improve the expertise of nurses but also let patients and their families have high satisfaction and improvement in function and quality of life for patients and their families.