A Qualitative Research on the Daily Experiences of Older Adults Following Hip Arthroplasty Due to Falls

Purpose: This study aimed to explore in-depth the changes in daily life experienced by older adults following hip replacement surgery due to fractures caused by falls, using a case study approach. Methods: A total of seven participants were recruited and interviewed. The data collected through interviews were continuously compared, categorised, and reorganised to derive meaningful results. Results: The findings revealed that participants experienced frustration, anxiety, and depression due to social disconnection after the surgery. Additionally, they expressed fear of re-falling after discharge. Conclusions: Elderly patients who underwent hip replacement surgery following a fall-related fracture are likely to experience more intense negative emotions compared to those who experienced general falls or underwent surgery due to degenerative joint diseases. These findings suggest the need to establish psychological recovery programmes tailored to this patient group. Trial Registration: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea (KCT0010429).