Nurse-led education to improve deep vein thrombosis prevention knowledge after hip arthroplasty: a sequential controlled quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background

Patients undergoing hip arthroplasty require adequate knowledge to participate in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention, recognise warning symptoms, and follow postoperative recommendations. Because reduced mobility contributes to venous stasis, early mobilisation represents a clinically relevant and potentially modifiable preventive behaviour.

Objective

To evaluate whether structured nurse-led education improves short-term deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention knowledge after hip arthroplasty.

Design

Sequential controlled, non-randomised pre–post quasi-experimental study.

Methods

Seventy-two patients were sequentially enrolled into routine care (n = 36) or structured nurse-led DVT prevention education plus routine care (n = 36). All followed a five-day postoperative inpatient pathway. Knowledge was assessed one day before surgery and once before discharge. The primary outcome was follow-up mean domain percentage knowledge score, analysed by baseline-adjusted ANCOVA with HC3 robust standard errors. Mobility behavior was secondary outcome and documented daily using physiotherapy and nursing records plus patient confirmation.

Results

Baseline knowledge was similar between groups. The intervention group had a higher baseline-adjusted follow-up mean domain percentage score (difference, 45.20 percentage points; 95% CI, 37.51–52.88; p < 0.001). Total raw and domain scores showed consistent effects after Holm correction. By discharge, at least three of four mobility practices had been achieved by 94.4% of controls and 91.7% of intervention participants (p = 1.000). Intervention participants initiated active bed exercise and assisted walking earlier.

Conclusion

Structured nurse-led education significantly improved short-term DVT prevention knowledge before discharge. Mobility findings were exploratory. Knowledge retention after discharge and effects on objectively confirmed VTE remain to be established.