Effect of Interdisciplinary Discharge Programme on Daily Function, Quality of Life, and Pain Intensity in Patients Undergoing Joint Replacement Surgery.

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and disability, especially in adults over 65 years of age, with hip and knee joints most frequently affected. While total hip and knee arthroplasties are effective treatments for advanced cases, patients often face postoperative complications and challenges in resuming daily activities. Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) has shown potential to improve outcomes but remains underutilised in some settings, including Iran. This study aimed to assess the impact of an interprofessional discharge programme on quality of life, daily functioning and pain in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 90 patients aged ≥ 50 years undergoing primary unilateral hip or knee replacement in Tehran (2024) were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group received an IPC-based discharge programme and the control group received routine care. Outcomes were measured preoperatively and after one and three months postoperatively using SF-36, Numerical Rating Scale, Harris Hip Score, and Knee Outcome Survey-ADLS. Data were analysed using linear mixed models.

Results: No significant differences were found between groups in any outcome measures or surgery types at one or 3 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). However, the intervention group showed significantly improved daily functioning at 3 months (p = 0.01 for hip; p = 0.05 for knee). BMI was significantly associated with daily functioning after knee surgery (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The interprofessional discharge programme had limited impact, with only modest improvement in daily functioning. Individual factors, including BMI, should be considered in future postoperative care planning.