Long-term effects of telephone follow-up after total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of structured nurse-managed telephone follow-up one year after discharge from hospital following total knee arthroplasty.

Method: A randomized parallel group design was used. Primary outcome was physical function, measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoartharitis (Womac) Index. Secondary outcomes were pain and stiffness scores in the Womac Index, change in health-related quality of life, measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36), and changes in self-efficacy, measured by the General Self-Efficacy Scale.

Result: In total 108 patients (mean age 68 years, SD 8.9) were included. A positive tendency, but not significant, were detected in several dimensions of health status, health related quality of life and self- efficacy in favour of nurse-managed Telephone follow-up in comparison with treatment as usual.

Conclusion: Knowledge of the effect of telephone follow-up after discharge following TKA is needed when clinical practice decides on whether to implement this way of organizing the patient trajectory.