Patient education for recipients of implantable medical devices: a narrative review towards a common-informed educational framework.

Patient education is increasingly recognised as an essential component of implant-based healthcare, yet educational strategies remain highly heterogeneous across surgical specialties and implant types. The objective of this narrative review was to synthesise the available literature on patient education for recipients of implantable medical devices, with particular attention to patients' information needs, educational supports, reported outcomes, long-term implant management and emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence. A systematic PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted on 6 July 2026 using the MeSH terms "Prostheses and Implants" AND "Patient Education as Topic". English- and French-language publications evaluating patient information or educational interventions related to implantable medical devices were eligible. Among 1,091 records identified, 53 publications were included. The studies covered orthopaedics, dentistry, plastic surgery, urology, otorhinolaryngology and other implant-related specialties. Despite substantial methodological heterogeneity, patients consistently required information on device characteristics, surgical procedures, postoperative recovery, complications and long-term follow-up. Educational interventions, including verbal counselling, written materials, videos, web-based resources and artificial intelligence-assisted tools, were generally associated with improved knowledge, preparedness and satisfaction. However, traceability, delayed complications and patient self-management remained inconsistently addressed. These findings support a common educational framework encompassing pre-implantation information, perioperative education and long-term implant management.