Opportunities and Challenges for E-health in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty – A Summary of Recent Literature Review

Introduction: The integration of health technologies and e-health into health education is becoming increasingly used. Objective: To identify the e-health challenges and opportunities related to hip and knee arthroplasty patient care. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted. Results: Included 13 primary studies on teleconsultation and the use of digital applications to support patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty. Discussion: E-health resources are increasingly vital in supporting arthroplasty patients throughout their surgical journey, from preoperative preparation to recovery. Teleconsultations and patient-support apps enhance access to care, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost patient satisfaction. The preoperative phase is crucial for promoting lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, which can significantly improve surgical outcomes. Research indicates that mobile health interventions effectively support these changes and enhance physical function, quality of life, and muscle strength. During hospitalization and recovery, e-health tools provide educational materials, allow progress tracking, and facilitate communication with healthcare teams, improving pain management and overall quality of life post-surgery. However, challenges exist, particularly in user adoption among older adults and those with lower education levels. To maximize effectiveness, it’s essential to involve patients and caregivers in developing these tools, ensuring they are user-friendly and tailored to diverse needs. Conclusions: E-health has promising potential for optimizing arthroplasty care.