The psychosocial effect of web-based information in fast-track surgery

The psychosocial effects of web-based information have yet to be tested for patients joining a fast-track total hip arthroplasty programme. This study compared and evaluated the psychosocial impact of standard total hip arthroplasty programme, with and without supplementation with a web-based information platform (E-total hip arthroplasty programme). Totally, 299 patients were enrolled in an un-controlled, before-and-after study, 117 in the S-total hip arthroplasty programme group and 182 in the E-total hip arthroplasty programme group. Psychosocial outcomes before and during admission and then 3 months post-surgery were evaluated, with analyses conducted between and within groups. All outcomes improved significantly from pre-admission to 3 months post-surgery, with no between-group differences. In all, 112 of the 182 E-total hip arthroplasty programme patients accessed the learning platform. A subgroup analysis showed no significant differences between users and non-users, either at baseline or in terms of outcome. This study found no positive psychosocial effect between groups, but a significant effect within groups.