1. Description of the education intervention.

Trial ID	Content
Beaupre 2004	Participants in the treatment group underwent a 4‐week exercise/education programme before surgery. The education programme consisted of instruction regarding crutch walking, bed mobility and the postoperative range of motion routine. The exercise programme was designed to improve knee mobility and strength using simple exercises with progressive resistance. The subjects were asked to attend the treatment programme three times a week for four weeks.
Butler 1996	An 18‐page teaching booklet 'Total hip replacement: a patient guide' was sent to participants at home. The booklet was developed by a multidisciplinary team and contained: information on the anatomy of a normal and diseased hip; total hip prosthesis; exercises to practice before admission; what to expect in hospital; precautions following surgery and planning for discharge. The booklet had a readability age of Grade 6 to 7 with 22 drawings and photographs.
Clode‐Baker 1997	A 20‐minute video, booklet and set of plastic models were sent to participants at home. The video followed the progress of a person undergoing hip replacement surgery, from difficulties encountered at home through to the hospital stay, postoperative recovery and exercises. The booklet addressed similar issues and included advice from previous participants. The booklet described arthritis and backed up information presented in the video. The life‐size plastic model bones demonstrated changes of the total hip replacement by comparison with a normal hip joint, osteoarthritis and an implanted total hip replacement prosthesis.
Cooil 1997	An information sheet that was already in clinical use was made available at the participants' bedside. The sheet contained instructions on the postoperative protocol, exercises and advice on beneficial and harmful postoperative activities. In addition, a verbal explanation of the sheet's contents was given, and the exercises and activities were taught through demonstration and practiced under supervision.
Crowe 2003	A preoperative education package consisting of a 50‐minute video and a booklet giving information on length of hospital stay, discharge criteria, respite care and diet was provided to participants the first time they visited the clinic following randomisation. The video focused on the participant's responsibility during the postoperative phase and use of equipment. Some participants were given a tour of the hospital unit, demonstration of equipment, dietician counselling and social work input. All participants received extensive individualised counselling from an occupational therapist on all aspects of optimising function and independence postoperatively, including home assessments, and were provided with a telephone contact for additional information. A physical conditioning programme was available to participants to improve strength and endurance and facilitate postoperative mobility. Participants also received the same standard preoperative clinic visit as the control participants.
Daltroy 1998	A 12‐minute audiotape slide programme was presented by a research assistant at the bedside the day before surgery. The audiotape oriented the participant to the hospital, staff, surgery and rehabilitation. Participants were told of various stressful aspects of their hospital stay, and reassured that these were normal. The tape complemented the standard preoperative information. The comparison group received relaxation training consisting of oral and written instructions and an 18‐minute audiotape.
Doering 2000	A 12‐minute video shown in hospital preoperatively in the presence of the investigator. The video followed a person with osteoarthritis undergoing hip replacement. Filmed from the person's perspective, the video showed what to expect from hospital, the procedure, the recovery and rehabilitation. It included original dialogue, a narrator giving procedural information and interviews with the person.
Giraudet 2003	Participants in the multidisciplinary collective information group (trial group) received verbal information and a standard information leaflet. They also attended an education session 2 to 6 weeks before surgery, where a multidisciplinary team including a surgeon and an anaesthetist presented a standardised education programme. The team discussed the intervention and answered the questions of patients and their significant others. The control group received only the usual verbal information from the surgeon and the anaesthetist and the standard information leaflet.
Gocen 2004	Participants in the trial group received preoperative physiotherapy to strengthen and improve range of motion of the hip, beginning from eight weeks before the operation. These participants also received an educational programme that included advice on movements that should be avoided, use of assistance devices, posture, lifting and carrying, washing and bathing. The control group received no preoperative physiotherapy or educational programme.
Johansson 2007	Standard written education materials plus education using the concept map method. The education was delivered by two specially trained nurses two weeks before admission and lasted approximately 30 to 60 minutes. The concept map method involved counselling in relation to biophysiological, functional, experiential, ethical, social and financial issues about pre and postoperative care.
Lilja 1998	In addition to being informed by ward nurses about preoperative routines and what to expect before and after the operation, participants spent 30 minutes with an anaesthetic nurse. The information provided by the nurse covered the importance of preoperative preparation and patient participation in recovery, the operating theatre and mobilisation following surgery.
McDonald 2004	Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the preoperative period, the communication group (treatment group) viewed a 4‐minute pain communication film as well as a 10‐minute pain management film. Comparison group 1 viewed only the pain management film, and comparison group 2 received standard care only. Handouts reinforcing the main content of both films were distributed to the communication group. Comparison group 1 received only the pain management handout.
McGregor 2004	Participants in the treatment group received a preoperative hip class 2 to 4 weeks before surgery and an information booklet. The information booklet documented information on the surgery, rehabilitation stages including exercise regimens, and answers to commonly asked questions. The preoperative class enforced the booklet and ensured that all participants could do the exercises, understood how to use walking aids postoperatively, and could adapt their homes for the recovery period. The control group received the standard preoperative treatment, which included a description of the surgery and its risks and approximations on length of hospital stay.
Santavirta 1994	Before admission, participants received an 18‐page guide on hip replacement surgery and postoperative rehabilitation. They also received a 20‐ to 60‐minute teaching session by the investigator, which was planned according to each participant's situation. Elements covered included safe walking, active exercises, wound care, temperature taking, rehabilitation and discharge planning.
Siggeirsdottir 2005	Participants in the trial group participated in a preoperative education and training programme, given by a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist (or both), about one month before the planned operation. The programme covered postoperative rehabilitation, exercises and postoperative assistive devices. Participants also received an illustrated brochure containing information on how to move and exercise postoperatively. When a trial group participant was discharged, a physiotherapist or occupational therapist could accompany the person home and return for follow‐up home visits if this was considered necessary. Control group participants were treated according to the clinical procedures already in use and were discharged when rehabilitated, or could be transferred to another rehabilitation facility.
Sjöling 2003	Participants received specific information (verbally and in a leaflet) which emphasised the person's own role in pain management by trying to improve knowledge in areas important for their well‐being. The specific information covered issues such as people taking an active role in their treatment; postoperative pain and pain management; and the importance of physiotherapy.
Vukomanović 2008	Participants received short‐term intensive preoperative preparation consisting of education and elements of physiotherapy. They were informed about the operation, caution measures and rehabilitation following the operation through conversation with the clinician and a brochure. They were instructed by a physiotherapist to perform exercises and basic activities.
Wijgman 1994	Participants received preoperative instructions for 30 minutes in groups of 4 to 6 delivered by two physiotherapists. They also received preoperative exercise therapy including muscle setting exercises.