Needs of Chinese patients undergoing home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: The needs of Chinese patients undergoing home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery remain unclear. In this study, we qualitatively investigated the needs of Chinese patients undergoing home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery. METHODS: A total of 21 participants undergoing home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery were included in this study. Individual semi-structured interviews involving all participants were performed to determine the needs and experiences of this patient population during home-based rehabilitation. Data were subjected to qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The patients had numerous needs during rehabilitation. Three substantive themes, namely, the need to obtain health-related knowledge, the need to obtain care and support, and the needs of those who cannot perform self-care, were identified from the qualitative data. The participants shared valuable insights into their needs during home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement and provided potential suggestions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement have several strong needs and lack proper guidance. The initial and continuous engagement of rehabilitation professionals and the establishment of related policies based on patient’s needs are potential approaches for improving the effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement.