An intervention study exploring the effects of providing older adult hip fracture patients with an information booklet in the early postoperative period.

AIM

To determine whether the provision of an information booklet on mobilisation improves early mobility postsurgical repair of hip fracture.

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture among older people can have long-lasting consequences with the majority of patients failing to achieve their prefracture functional status. Early postoperative mobility may have a positive effect on long-term recovery. The importance of providing postoperative information on mobility has been highlighted. It is suggested that patients remain passive in their recovery when they do not understand the importance of mobilisation.

DESIGN

The study used a pretest-post-test design of two treatments and a usual care control group.

METHODS

Eighty-three adults postsurgical repair of hip fracture, aged 65 years and older, were recruited to the study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups, a usual care group, treatment group 1 (T(1)) usual care plus basic information booklet or treatment group 2 (T(2)) usual care plus detailed information booklet. Data collection three days postsurgery and prior to discharge included the Mini-Mental State Examination, a Demographic Questionnaire, the Elderly Mobility Scale and a Numerical Pain Scale.

RESULTS

Greatest improvements in Elderly Mobility Scale scores occurred in T(1), with least changes observed in T(2). Changes did not reach significance level (p=0·105).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest that the provision of basic information is preferable and highlights a deficiency of education in usual care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Hip fracture patients should be provided with an educational booklet containing basic information on mobility to promote optimal recovery.