Patients’ experiences of using a mobile application-based rehabilitation programme after total hip or knee arthroplasty: a qualitative descriptive study

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients are discharged from a total hip or knee arthroplasty with a short length of hospital stay. Technologies, such as mobile applications, are used to provide remote support to patients’ postoperative rehabilitation. Patients’ experiences of receiving mobile application-based rehabilitation after total hip or knee arthroplasty have not been investigated extensively. METHODS: This was a qualitative descriptive study. Twenty-five participants who had completed a mobile application-based rehabilitation programme for total hip or knee arthroplasty were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone between July 2021 and January 2022 regarding the participants’ experiences using the programme. All interviews were audio-recorded and verbatim transcribed. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The reporting of this study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed five categories: (a) improved access to health care, (b) encouraged postoperative recovery, (c) established supportive relationships, (d) facilitated learning, and (e) future directions. CONCLUSION: The theory-underpinned mobile application-based rehabilitation programme demonstrated potential value in supporting patients’ rehabilitation after arthroplasty. Nurses can consider using mobile technologies to expand their role in arthroplasty rehabilitation and improve the quality of rehabilitation care. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-023-01409-3.