Evaluating the Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Interventions in Post-Operative Recovery at St. Mary's Hospital

Thesis Abstract

Post-operative recovery remains a critical determinant of patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency at St. Mary's Hospital, yet the relative efficacy of various physiotherapy interventions implemented during this period lacks comprehensive evaluation. This study aims to systematically assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy techniques—specifically early mobilization, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and manual therapy—on post-operative recovery metrics among adult patients undergoing major orthopedic surgeries. The objectives include quantifying improvements in functional recovery, pain management, length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction, as well as exploring the influence of demographic and clinical factors on intervention outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the quantitative component adopts a prospective cohort approach involving 200 adult patients scheduled for orthopedic surgeries such as joint replacements and spinal procedures at St. Mary's Hospital. Participants are grouped based on the physiotherapy intervention received, with 100 patients allocated to standard physiotherapy care (control group) and 100 receiving enhanced interventions based on current best practices. Data collection utilizes validated instruments, including the Harris Hip Score and Visual Analogue Scale, administered pre-operatively, immediately post-surgery, and at discharge. Qualitative data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with 20 patients and 10 physiotherapists to contextualize quantitative findings. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics to summarize baseline characteristics, followed by inferential techniques such as repeated-measures ANOVA to compare recovery trajectories across groups, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of improved outcomes. Thematic analysis is applied to qualitative data to elucidate patient and physiotherapist perspectives on intervention efficacy and barriers to implementation. The study also employs the Theory of Planned Behavior to frame behavioral influences on physiotherapy adherence and outcomes. Expected findings anticipate that patients receiving comprehensive physiotherapy interventions will demonstrate significantly better functional scores, reduced pain levels, shorter hospital stays, and higher satisfaction ratings compared to those receiving standard care. Additionally, preliminary analyses are expected to reveal that variables such as age, comorbidities, and motivation influence recovery success. The qualitative insights are projected to identify logistical challenges and patient motivation factors impacting intervention effectiveness. Contributing novel evidence to physiotherapy practice, this research aims to delineate the specific benefits of targeted interventions in post-operative care, thereby informing clinical protocols at St. Mary's Hospital and comparable settings. It also aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the combined impact of multiple physiotherapy modalities within a structured recovery pathway. The findings are expected to support the development of evidence-based guidelines, emphasizing the importance of early and tailored physiotherapy in optimizing surgical outcomes. The study concludes that integrating multifaceted physiotherapy interventions significantly enhances post-operative recovery metrics and patient satisfaction. Recommendations include adopting standardized protocols for physiotherapy delivery, training clinicians in chosen techniques, and promoting patient-centered approaches to stimulate adherence. Furthermore, the research highlights the need for future studies to explore long-term functional outcomes and cost-effectiveness analyses of physiotherapy interventions, fostering continual improvement in post-operative care standards at St. Mary's Hospital.