A longitudinal qualitative study on the care needs journey map of primary caregivers of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.
Jingru Hu, Guanglei Dong, Dongfang Liu and 1 others
PMID 41211475WHAT IT FOUND
Caregivers of knee replacement patients described shifting from administrative tasks to quasi-professional roles, facing severe gaps in rehabilitation guidance and emotional support after discharge.
They reported anxiety and helplessness when left without clear instructions on home exercises and complication prevention.
Key findings
01Caregivers' roles evolved from logistical coordination to complex, quasi-clinical responsibilities like monitoring rehabilitation and preventing complications.
02A major barrier during home rehabilitation was the lack of guidance on how to perform exercises and manage care, leaving caregivers feeling unsupported.
03Emotional distress peaked during the discharge transition and rehabilitation phases, with female caregivers reporting more exhaustion and isolation.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Participants were recruited from a single hospital in China, limiting generalizability to other cultural or healthcare contexts. The study relied on self-reported data from interviews lasting only 15-20 minutes, which may have limited narrative depth. Selection bias is possible, as caregivers under extreme burden may have declined to participate. Researchers were clinical nurses, which may have influenced participant responses despite reflexive measures.
Declared interests
The authors declared no financial support was received for the research or publication of this article.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that specific interventions reduce caregiver burden. This study describes the experiences and needs of caregivers but did not test any treatment or support program.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →