An exploratory study of Maltese patients’ perceptions of their preparation for total joint replacement at the pre-admission clinic

SummaryPatient education has become an integral part of the pre-operative preparation for patients especially through the introduction of pre-admission clinics (PACs) for elective surgery. However, it is important to continue exploring the patient’s perceptions about these clinics so as to identify their effectiveness from the patient’s point of view. This study reports the findings of a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews carried out with 30 patients following joint replacement surgery in a Maltese General Hospital.Analysis identified two main themes:
• Managing a complex situation.
• Experiencing the clinic.This paper uses transcript extracts to illustrate further the categories that emerged within the main themes. The findings continue to provide further indications about the usefulness of providing patient information in a manner that retains patient dignity and respect, motivates, and addresses the patient’s individualised needs through an energising interaction. However, it also emerged that nurses need to be skilled and trained in the way they educate patients as some participants verbalised apprehension about the information provided. Seven ‘D’s are identified as aspects that need to be considered in ensuring effective PACs.