What information do patients waiting for and undergoing arthroplastic surgery want? Their side of the story

SummaryThis nurse-led focus-group study investigated information needs of patients waiting for arthroplastic surgery – how did they obtain the information and advice they needed? The content analysis of the interview transcripts revealed two main categories – ways of obtaining information and advice and what is needed – what patients want. In the picture emerging from the findings, it is evident that the content of the information that is given does not solely determine whether the respondents’ information needs are met. The way the information is given and whether the respondent is confirmed as a human being and taken seriously by the staff, is believed to be more important in the mutual process of communicating information. On a concrete level, respondents ask for information and advice on what they can do to manage their present life situation while waiting for surgery; this includes pain management, advice on self-training and contact with physiotherapists. They want to know “when” surgery will be performed and to be given opportunities to ask questions. This study serves as another piece in the puzzle investigating patients’ information needs. Implications for nursing are discussed, together with suggestions for future areas of research.