The physiotherapist’s tasks in restoring patients to health after hip joint arthroplasty, in the assessment of students of physiotherapy and nursing

Aim of the study
To assess the knowledge level of physiotherapy and nursing students on the physiotherapist’s tasks in the recovery of patients after hip arthroplasty.

Material and methods
The research was carried out in a group of 100 students of physiotherapy and 100 students of nursing, by a diagnostic survey, using an original questionnaire.

Results
91% of physiotherapy students and 64% of nursing students declared their knowledge on the subject. 100% of physiotherapy students and 79% of nursing students recognised the importance of improving the patient after the procedure. 83% of physiotherapy students and 49% of nursing students were convinced that on the first day after surgery the patients cannot join their legs. 90% of physiotherapy students and 49% of nursing students thought that patients cannot twist an inward or outward leg. 90% of physiotherapy students and 60% of nursing students thought that patients cannot put their foot on their leg. 73% of physiotherapy students and 46% of nursing students thought that when the patient is sitting down, the knees should be “below the hip”. 90% of physiotherapy students and 56% of nursing students thought that the patient cannot sit on a low, soft, collapsible couch. 43% of physiotherapy students and 30% of nursing students said that patients would not be able to walk much, and 29% of future physiotherapists and 17% of future nurses thought that the patient would take too small steps.

Conclusions
Physiotherapy students, compared to nursing students, had greater knowledge in the field of treatment after hip arthroplasty. The students thought that the physiotherapist plays a crucial role in the restoration of patients’ health after the hip arthroplasty procedure.