Äldres erfarenheter av hur aktivitetsutförandet anpassats mer än ett år efter en höftprotesoperation

Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe how occupational performance evolves and adapts more than a year after a hip replacement surgery among elderly.Method: Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Ten people over 65 years participated in the study from various pensioners' associations. Collected data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Result: The results were presented in three categories: Occupations are selected and planned to protect the hip, The environment was adapted both physically and socially and Activities are performed with a different movement pattern. Several experiences were collected and the results showed that occupational performance was influenced several years after hip arthroplasty. The participants had an increased awareness of their hip, had adapted their physical and social environment, and performed movements more carefully and with more precision.Conclusion: The performance adaptations were individual and complex. The results indicated that the participants did not seek out an occupational therapist to customize their occupational performance, instead they created their own strategies in their everyday life. Perhaps an occupational therapist could facilitate the adaptation and clarify the complexities of change by making the persons aware and inform about the different possibilities, such as planning and choice of alternative occupations, choice of technical aids, domestic equipment, adaptation of the physical environment and the pattern of movement and the preservation of social interaction. Since the problems and adjustments remained several years after hip replacement surgery, perhaps continuous standardized follow-ups should be introduced. More research is needed on what the occupational therapist can assist with, after the initial rehabilitation, as well as what role of the occupational therapist should have in the latter stage.Validerat; 20160602 (global_studentproject_submitter