| Methods |
A 4‐days randomised controlled prospective study of two interventions, information and relaxation training, in a 2x2 factorial design. Assessments were done at baseline and 4 days post intervention.
Quality: 0/1/1/1 |
| Participants |
From March 1985 until December 1987 letters were mailed to 329 eligible patients of 8 orthopaedic surgeons. Of these, 247 (82%) agreed to participate. In 25 cases surgery was cancelled, leaving 222 patients with completed baseline data and exposure to the intervention (I1: 58, I2: 58, I3: 52, C: 54). One patient was excluded from analyses (outlier for all outcomes), 5 patients were excluded due to incomplete data.
Number randomised: not stated, nor for total nor for RA.
Number analysed: 216 patients. (19% RA‐patients = 42). Inclusion: Eligible patients were those scheduled for total hip or knee replacement surgery. Patients were excluded if they could not speak English, fill out the questionnaires, or if they had previously had surgery on the contralateral joint. Mean age: 64 years (SD: 12). Range: 20‐88 years, 66% female. 19% RA; 73% OA; 8% other. One or more comorbidities: 33%. Uses pain medication 5‐7 days per week: 78%. |
| Interventions |
Information only ‐ The informational intervention consisted of a 12‐min audiotape slide programme presented by a research assistant at the patient's bedside the day before surgery. The audiotape oriented the patient to the hospital, to staff and their roles, to the events of surgery and rehabilitation, and to life in the hospital. Patients were told of various stressful aspects of the hospitalisation., including postoperative pain, immobility, the work involved in rehabilitation, lights and noises, an altered sleep schedule, and dietary and smoking restrictions. They were reassured that various sensations, emotions and difficulties were normal and would pass.
Controls: no intevention. |
| Outcomes |
Included: none.
Not reported: Pain (assessed by taking the mean of 3 5‐point Likert scales assessing pain (not at all to extremely painful) at night, resting and when active); State anxiety (Spielberger's 20‐item anxiety inventory). |
| Notes |
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