CHAPTER 3
 METHODS

 Research Design

 This research examines the relationship of older adults' spiritual beliefs, and self-

health assessment and analgesic medication use during the first three days after total joint

replacement surgery. A correlational convenience design was used to investigate the

questions in a sample of surgical candidates scheduled for hip and knee joint arthroplasty.

Using the Roy Adaptation Model, this study examined relationships between total joint

arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, chronic pain, the degree of spiritual beliefs, spiritual

involvement, self-health assessment and the health outcome of postoperative analgesic

medication use. Participants for this research came from a socially diverse area in North

Florida.

Controls

 Three orthopedic surgeons from the University of Florida College of Medicine,

Department of Orthopedics performed all of the total joint arthroplasty. To control

variations in general anesthesia technique, one supervising anesthesiologist planned each

participant's anesthetic care. Participants chose his/her preferred method of

postoperative pain control prior to surgery. Choices included regional anesthesia, Patient

Control Analgesia (PCA), or PRN dosing. Preoperative patient education and anesthesia

evaluation was done according to the standard of care established by the University of

Florida College of Medicine.