Current trends in the organization of rehabilitation care for patients after total hip replacement

Abstract

The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 dramatically increased the burden on healthcare, which led to the repurposing and limitation of the bed stock in rehabilitation centers. That served as the basis for the search for new approaches to the treatment and routing of patients, including using remote-controlled rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of motor rehabilitation in patients after hip replacement with the use of telerehabilitation technologies. Materials and methods: In a retrospective study, 32 patients aged 40 to 75 years who underwent rehabilitation after hip replacement using telemedicine technologies were examined. After discharge from the surgical hospital, all patients were offered a link to receive a program of motor rehabilitation, including exercise therapy complexes and a video clip on the technique of performing these exercises. In addition, online classes with a physical therapy instructor were conducted for patients with technical capabilities. The rehabilitation program started from the first day after surgery and lasted 90 days. To assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation, all patients underwent testing, including questionnaires and mobility tests, which were conducted on the second day and 3 months after surgery. Results: Rehabilitation with the use of telemedicine for patients after hip replacement demonstrates a positive clinical effect, assessed by mobility tests (TUG and the 6‑minute walk test), the EQ-5D quality of life scale, the SF-36 questionnaire and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test. Conclusion: The criteria for patient inclusion developed by us, special physical therapy programs, and a routing model with remote rehabilitation treatment can become an effective alternative to the full-time rehabilitation, in case of paramedical difficulties for its implementation.