Patients' Experiences, Satisfaction and Quality of Life With Physiotherapy Follow-Up After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study With Repeated Interviews.

Abstract

Background: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely accepted intervention for end-stage knee osteoarthritis, significantly improving pain relief and overall function. However, many patients continue to report dissatisfaction with the results, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where various contextual challenges may influence recovery outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to explore experiences, satisfaction and quality of life in patients following physiotherapy after TKA through repeated interviews.

Methods: A phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Seven patients' who had completed postoperative physiotherapy were recruited through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted one and 3 months after surgery. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key patient satisfaction and recovery themes.

Results: Fourteen interviews identified four key themes: (1) Pain and recovery, (2) Functional ability, (3) Satisfaction with care, and (4) Psychological aspects. While patients' experienced improvements in pain and mobility, many continued to deal with discomfort and limitations. Cultural norms, home environments, and individual expectations influenced their perspectives on recovery. Strong family support and positive interactions with therapists also contributed to higher satisfaction levels.

Conclusions: Patients expressed mixed feelings about their pain relief and functional abilities, which impacted their overall quality of life. Although the initial recovery phase was largely positive, many patients' experienced increased pain and dissatisfaction by the third month. It was found that psychological, social, and environmental factors and clinical outcomes influence the recovery process.