Development and validation of an evidence based educational program for adults undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in the United Arab Emirates
Date
2010-03
Authors
Alzaabi, Hana
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Patients’ knowledge about the effectiveness of interventions is now
recognized as an important facilitator of the implementation of evidence in practice.
Evidence-based, patient education programs aim to impart knowledge about the
efficacy and effectiveness about interventions to individuals. However, there is
currently a lack of structured evidence-based educational programs to educate
patients about the evidence-base for interventions prescribed by the health
professionals in the field of orthopaedics.
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to develop and validate an Arabic
version of an evidence-based educational program for patients who are scheduled to
undergo ACL reconstruction surgery in UAE, based on available evidence collated
through a systematic review process.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to generate clinical
recommendations which were used to develop the evidence-based educational
program. The evidence-based information was derived from secondary research to
determine which rehabilitation strategies were most effective in improving outcome
measurements following ACL reconstruction surgery. A pre-final draft of the
evidence-based educational program was prepared and forward and back translated
from English into the Arabic language. Feedback groups of ACL patients and
physiotherapists were used to determine the content and face validity of the program.
The final draft was validated in a group of 40 ACL patients waiting to undergo ACL
reconstruction surgery at Zayed Military hospital and Abu Dhabi Knee and Sports
Medicine Centre in the UAE, using checklists.
RESULTS: A total of 40 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery consented
to participate in this study. All the subjects were male. The age range was between
18 to 38 years old with mean age of 28.5 years (SD 5.75). Most of the patients (65%)
underwent ACL reconstruction surgery to the right knee. Of the total sample (n=40),
the majority of the subjects who participated in this study (90 %), had ACL surgery for
the first time. Most of the responses to the evidence-based educational program
checklist were positive.
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CONCLUSION: It can be recommended that the newly-developed evidence-based
educational program is a valid tool which can be given to ACL patients prior to ACL
reconstruction to prepare them for the rehabilitation postoperatively. By informing
patients of their condition, the expected outcomes of their condition and the effect of
doing exercises to improve their condition, the patients will be more encouraged to
partake in rehabilitation, as they know it is for their own good. This will ultimately
improve overall patient care and improve management of ACL patients.
Description
Thesis (MScPhysio (Physiotherapy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
Keywords
Knee ligament, Physiotherapy, Educational program, Validation