Patients' satisfaction with the process of total hip arthroplasty.

As total hip arthroplasty (THA) becomes an increasingly desirable treatment option for hip arthritis, it is important for providers to assess patients' satisfaction with the complex process surrounding this procedure. This study looked at 336 THA patients' satisfaction with 16 specific services before and during hospitalization. Provider characteristics considered reflected attributes of reliability, responsiveness, communication, and interpersonal care. Among patient characteristics considered, the most marked finding was that older individuals and those who did not live alone tended to be more satisfied. This study demonstrated that THA, in addition to being an effective treatment for hip arthritis, also is a desirable option from the perspective of patient satisfaction with the process of care.