Objective      To determine the effect of nursing intervention by telephone interviews on the quality of life and functional recovery in the elderly patients after total hip replacement.       Methods      A total of 105 elderly patients (≥60 years old) undergoing total hip replacement in our institute from January 2013 to June 2014 were recruited in this study. The patients were randomly divided into telephone interview group (n=49) and control group (n=56). The patients in the telephone interview group were given telephone interviews on the related knowledge of health education about the hip replacement

and their personal health problems would be resolved at the same time. According to the patient’s health status

the patients were informed through telephone interview on how to master the appropriate activity

reduce risk factors

and prevent the happening of the complications. However

the patients in the control group were not told these advises unless they went to visit a doctor. All of the patients were followed up for 1

3 and 6 months after discharge. Harris scores were used to evaluate the hip function

and the SF-36 health survey scale was employed to assess the quality of life of the patients. Furthermore

the incidence of complications after discharge was recorded.       Results      There were no significant differences in Harris scores and SF-36 scale scores between the 2 groups on discharge and in 1 month after discharge (P0.05). However

significant differences were found in the scores in 3 and 6 months after discharge between them (Harris score: 81.3±6.3 vs 92.1±7.2

SF-36 score: 631.5±106.2 vs 695.1±107.3

P0.05). Furthermore

the incidence of complications was significant lower in the telephone interview group (3/49

6.1%) than the control group (7/56

12.5%

P0.05).       Conclusion      Continuous nurse intervention by telephone support and counseling is helpful for the promotion of functional recovery

decrease of complications and improvement of patient’s quality of life in the postoperative phase after hip replacement

and is worth of population in nursing practice.