Development and Evaluation of a Rehabilitation Nursing Guideline for Elderly Patients after Total Hip Replacement

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Purpose: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a standardized rehabilitation nursing guideline for elderly patients following total hip replacements, focusing on improving pain, muscle strength, and hip joint function. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group and pre-post test was used in the study. Participants were elderly patients (≥65 years) who had undergone hip replacement surgery within the past four weeks. The experimental group (n=20) received a four-stage rehabilitation nursing intervention developed through literature review and expert validation; the control group (n=18) received routine nursing care. Outcomes-including handgrip strength, hip function and pain-were measured pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The experimental group showed a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to the control group (F=3.86, p=.042). Significant improvements over time were observed in hip joint function (F=21.91, p<.001), stiffness (F=4.45, p=.007), and physical function (F=25.07, p<.001). Muscle strength also improved over time (F=1.46, p=.048), though group differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The developed rehabilitation nursing guideline effectively reduced pain and enhanced hip function in elderly patients post-hip replacement. Incorporating repeated and visually supported educational materials tailored to older adults may further enhance intervention effectiveness.