Self-Reported Rates of Adherence to Aspirin Prescribed as an Antithrombotic Therapy Following Postoperative Total Joint Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Patients may not understand the importance of medication adherence when discharged with aspirin (ASA) as an anticoagulant for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after joint replacement surgery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported rates of adherence to postoperative use of ASA for VTE prophylaxis. METHODS: This was an exploratory, descriptive study using a convenience sample of 99 participants. Adherence was measured with a 4-question self-reporting tool. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent were male and 76% were Caucasian, and median age was 63 years. Ninety-two percent had the dosage correct, 76% knew how long to take the medication, and 100% of the sample was still taking the ASA; 40% had forgotten to take 1 or more doses of the medication. No associations were noted. Overall compliance was 44%. CONCLUSION: A significant number missed 1 or more doses. This is an opportunity for nurses to work with patients on innovative ways to improve adherence.

The relationship between nonsurgical pain and interference with activity in patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Patients with nonsurgical pain (NSP) after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) report different patterns of pain interference than those without NSP. PURPOSE: This study explores the severity and ways in which NSP interferes with activities 48 hours and 6-7 weeks post surgery. ANALYSIS: Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. The mean score for intensity at 48 hours was 1.78, and at 6-7 weeks it was 1.15. The mean score for interference with activities at 48 hours was 1.62 and at 6-7 weeks it was 0.91. Highest NSP pain interference at 48 hours was for "activity," "sleep," and "enjoyment of life." At 6-7 weeks, the highest scores were for "activity," "sleep," and "walking." No significant differences were noted for age, race, education, or gender. IMPLICATIONS: Although rated "mild," this pain should be addressed. The NSP indicates a baseline of chronic and persistent pain, which is an opportunity to work with our patients to mitigate this pain. Total knee arthroplasty, a common and effective treatment for painful knee conditions attributed to various forms of arthritis, is known to be a painful surgical procedure. Two of the major concerns voiced by patients awaiting TKA are about postoperative pain management and rehabilitation efforts after the procedure (). Healthcare providers offer a range of methods and strategies to deal with postoperative TKA pain, yet to date no single method offers complete satisfaction (; ; ; ).