The effect of consultancy on life quality and self care agency of the patients scheduled for total knee artroplasty

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of consultancy on life quality and self care agency of the patients scheduled for total knee artroplasty. Method: The study consists of two stages including qualitative and quasi-experimental research methods. In the first stage, qualitative research design has been used and the patients with total knee artroplasty (n=17) have constituted its sample. The data for patients have been collected using in-depth interview and semi-structured interview form, and qualitative data have been evaluated with descriptive analysis method. In the second stage, quasi-experimental research design has been used. The sample of the study consists of 79 patients as case (n=39) and control (n=40) patients. The data have been collected using Patient Information Form, Life Quality and Self Care Agency Scales through face-to-face interview method with patients in pre-operational period and 6th – 8th weeks and 14th – 16th weeks following the discharge and the individuals in the case group received face-to-face and telephone consultancy. In the data analysis of the second stage χ2, t test and single factor variance analysis and in repeated measures two-factor variance analysis have been used. Findings: The experiences of the patients who underwent total knee artroplasty in qualitative research have consisted of six themes as "adversely affected life quality", "feelings about operation", "thoughts about operation", "difficulties in post-operational period", "feeling in post-operational period", "thoughts in post-surgical period". In quasi-experimental research, it has been determined that the average scores of life quality and self care agency of the care group in 6th-8th weeks and 14th-16th weeks in post-operational period are significantly higher than the control group (p<.001). Conclusion: This study indicates that consultancy has increased the life quality and self-care agency of patients with total knee artroplasty. The consultancy begun in the pre-operative period and continued in the post-operative period has provided the support and care that the patients need.