Rehabilitation of Patients After THR - Based on Patients´Selfrated Health

Objective: The investigators hypothesized that all areas of health status after total hip replacement could be improved in patients aged over 65 years and over by using telephone support and counselling 2 and 10 weeks after surgery compared with a control group receiving conventional care and treatment. Design: A randomised clinical trial focusing on patients' health status by using SF-36 at 4 weeks pre- and 3 and 9 months postoperatively was carried out. Sample: 180 patients aged 65 and over were randomised 4 weeks preoperatively to either control or intervention groups. Measurements: Both groups received conventional surgical treatment, but the intervention group was interviewed by telephone 2 and 10 weeks after surgery. Patients were given counselling within eight main dimensions with reference to their postoperative situation. Key-words: THR - elderly patients - health status - postoperative support - counselling