Mapping patient information needs through Internet search trends: Insights from hip and knee replacement surgeries

The Internet is a significant source of health information for patients, a trend also evident among those undergoing hip and knee replacements. Online searches can reveal where patients are in their healthcare journey. Our study explored the different categories of topics and common questions associated with patient searches related to total knee and hip arthroplasty. The study aimed to help create comprehensive patient information materials to support individuals throughout the total joint replacement process. The study analysed search trends in six countries across four languages: English, German, French, and Hungarian. Using keyword research from Google's advertising manager, it examined the most frequently used keywords over the past three months and categorised them accordingly, November 2024. The searches were divided into 15 categories: diagnosis, alternative therapies (non-surgical options), financing (cost), surgery and its details, surgery types (various surgical approaches), pre-op period (including frequently asked questions), prosthesis, rehabilitation, complications, revision, quality of life, waiting time, institution (doctors or hospitals) and patient reviews. The search trends for knee and hip replacement surgeries are generally similar when compared by country. There is a significant difference in the importance of the prostheses used in these surgeries. In the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria, the proportion of online interest in knee replacements is three times higher than that of hip replacements. This percentage is six times higher in the USA and eight times higher in Hungary. Another difference lies in the location and the surgeon (clinic/surgeon category). Compared to THA, the proportion of TKA surgeries online searches in the USA, the United Kingdom, France, and Hungary is more than ten times higher. Search terms can be used to model a patient's information needs, mainly focusing on the rehabilitation period, surgery details, and the type of prostheses. Understanding these terms can assist care providers in developing more accurate patient education materials and information.