Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (2003) 50, 191

Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

V i d e o R e v i e w

Video reviewVideo ReviewVideo ReviewOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: TOTAL HIP JOINT REPLACEMENT

Janet Fricke and Rachel Elliott (Scriptwriters)

Produced by COMET, La Trobe University

This high-quality 17 min video introduces the occupa-tional therapist as a key part of the health-care teaminvolved in client management following total hip jointreplacement surgery. The video provides a brief explana-tion of total hip joint replacement surgery, gives an over-view of the precautions relevant to this group of clients,and addresses various areas of daily living activities. Theprecautions are further reinforced through applicationduring various activities shown in the video.

Clear instructions are provided to viewers about howto carry out a number of tasks. In addition, some areas ofoccupational engagement are identified where individualsmay require assistance. This would aid in prompting indi-viduals to consider the social supports available to them.

The video would be suitable to use as an educationaltool with clients. Although scriptwriters have managed topresent a large amount of information with clarity, itremains unclear about when it would be best shown toclients. Some information appears most appropriate to beshown prior to surgery, while other information wouldseem better provided when surgery has been completedand rehabilitation has commenced. The video would besuitable to show to individuals or in a group program, but

it is recommended that a clinician be present to facilitatediscussion about how the information would be tailored tothe individual client. Suitable breaks between scenes allowthe occupational therapist time to stop the video and pro-mote discussion on various sections.

The video might also be used in the basic education ofoccupational therapy students or clinicians commencing inpositions with an orthopaedic component. It includes arange of areas where occupational therapists may com-monly intervene with clients following total hip jointreplacement surgery.

The video has clear visuals with appropriate andsimple text to support the presented material. Audiovolume is low at times, which some elderly viewers mayfind frustrating. The video concludes with a return to keyprinciples that individuals should observe following totalhip joint replacement surgery, such as avoiding crossingone’s legs, flexion of the hip and twisting. This is a goodsummary and a useful reminder to individuals of therestrictions that should be observed during their dailyoccupational engagement.

This professionally produced video is recommended asa useful resource within many occupational therapydepartments and occupational therapy education pro-grams. It is available for A$50.00 from Rachel Elliott,Manager of Occupational Therapy Services, St Vincent’sHospital, Melbourne. It is also available as a DVD.

Karen RobertsBAppSc(OT), MOT, Grad Cert Health Sc(OT),

Senior Clinician,Caulfield General Medical Centre, Caulfield,

Victoria, Australia