The effects of the introduction of a clinical pathway and enhanced patient information on patients' satisfaction were investigated in the current study.
In a prospective cohort study patients were systematically interviewed about the preparation and the clinical course during implantation of a total knee arthroplasty. The study included 132 patients before (cohort I) and 128 after (cohort II) introduction of a clinical pathway. All patients of cohort II were offered the opportunity to attend an enhanced patient information lecture. The collected data were analysed in a descriptive manner. Items with more than 10% negative answers constituted the need for improvement.
Regarding preparation of the operation there was a need for improvement of 11 items in cohort I and 4 in cohort II. With respect to the clinical course there was a slight increase from 6 to 7 items that required improvement. The enhanced information about the treatment and the clinical course were assessed positively. Patients were unsatisfied with the individual explanation of the X-rays. Of 128 patients from cohort II, 58 decided to participate in the information session for patients. The patients who had attended were more interested in receiving additional information. The success of the operation (gain in WOMAC score of at least 20%) showed a substantial effect on patient satisfaction.
With increased patient information the knowledge and patient satisfaction within clinical pathways can be improved.