Proposing the Synergistic Recovery Theory for Older Adults Undergoing Total Knee Replacement

The aging global population has increased the demand for total knee replacement. However, perioperative nursing care for older adults remains fragmented and reactive. To address this gap, this article proposes the synergistic recovery theory (SRT), a situation-specific nursing theory developed using Im’s integrative approach. The proposed SRT comprises 3 domains: patient attributes, the 4 pillars (Prepare, Protect, Activate, Transition), and outcomes. The theory proposes that individualized nursing interventions work synergistically to support recovery across the total knee replacement continuum. SRT provides a theoretically grounded framework for organizing geriatric perioperative care, though its propositions require prospective empirical testing to determine clinical effectiveness.