Pain and reduced mobility affecting patients awaiting primary total hip replacement

SummaryThe aim of this paper is to discuss two of the main physical factors, pain and reduced mobility, affecting patients whilst waiting for a total hip replacement. A descriptive qualitative design was employed with a purposeful sampling procedure utilising a semi-structured interview schedule. A small sample of six participants took part in the study. Data were analysed using Leininger’s [Leininger, M., 1985. Qualitative Research Methods in Nursing. W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia] series of conceptual steps for thematic analysis in qualitative studies. The findings confirmed that the two most significant physical factors affecting patients waiting for a total hip replacement are pain and reduced mobility.