Towards an Integrated Person-Centred Care Pathway to Support the Recovery Journey Post Hip Fracture: A Qualitative Study.

AIM

To explore the pathway of care for people post hip fracture and define what is important for person-centred recovery.

DESIGN

Qualitative design using interpretive descriptive methodology, guided by the Health Empowerment theoretical framework.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted from March to October 2021, focussed on the lived experience of recovery post hip fracture. Thirteen participants were interviewed. Five people post hip fracture; four advanced practice nurses and four practice nurses. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Fragments of hip fracture care was a major theme describing a disconnected pathway following discharge from hospital, and exposed the gap between recommendations for follow up and implementation. Gaps highlighted the need for a key contact clinician to support care coordination, use of individualised care plans, clinical pathways for practice nurses, and follow up post hip fracture.

CONCLUSION

A disconnected recovery pathway was found from the lived experience of hip fracture. Findings highlight opportunities to develop integrated person-centred models of care that empower patients to self-manage their recovery. Implementation of an empowered coordinated pathway with a shared care approach integrates consistent care across the whole patient journey.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Identified gaps from a fractured recovery formed key components to support a connected care pathway post hip fracture. Linked by the overarching construct of Health Empowerment, policy and practice development embedding a connected pathway within nurse-led models of care should be considered.

REPORTING METHOD

Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No Patient or Public Involvement.

IMPACT

This study explored what was important for recovery post-hip fracture. A fragmented recovery pathway was identified that highlighted key components for improvement. Research supports policy and practice development for nurse-led models of care with an empowered approach post hip fracture.