New pre-surgery classes at Tauranga Hospital for faster recoveries of patients who have had hip or knee joint replacements are a success.
Prior to surgery, patients are invited to attend an informative class that takes them step by step through what can be expected during and after surgery.
Patients are encouraged to ask questions and pick up the equipment that they will need following their surgery.
One of the key messages in the classes is that the more work that is put into rehabilitation, the quicker improvement will be.
The classes were developed after research proved that this type of education reduces patient anxiety before an operation, and can have a positive impact on length of stay.
