To increase the competency of specialist outpatient clinic nurses in the provision of pre-operative total knee replacement (TKR) education, and ensure that all patients scheduled for elective TKR received the pre-operative education package.
The project was implemented in three phases. Phase 1 entailed a baseline audit that analysed 30 randomized TKR patients who received pre-operative education. In Phase 2, the gaps and barriers in the project were discussed. Using best practice recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute, the project team leader collated and standardized the pre-operative education tools, which consisted of a pictorial booklet, a video and home care advice. A teaching plan guided the nurses to increase their understanding and improve practice using the education tools. The usefulness of education strategies and tools was discussed and these were improved over the proposed timeline. Phase 3 entailed a post-implementation audit to evaluate the provision of pre-operative education.
Post implementation, nurses' competency in the provision of pre-operative TKR education increased from 18% to 91%. The number of patients who received the structured pre-operative education package increased from 27% to 50%.
Overall, there was improvement in the provision of pre-operative TKR education to patients by clinic nurses using evidence-based best practice and a standardized education package.