A two-year multicenter point prevalence study of older patients with hip fractures admitted to rehabilitation units in Italy

Abstract

Aim To study the characteristics of older patients with hip fracture admitted to rehabilitation units in Italy with a specific focus on geriatric syndromes and the rehabilitation process. Findings Of 615 patients included almost half of the patients lived alone before the hip fracture. Most of the falls happened at home. Clinicians identified geriatric syndromes including delirium, dementia, and depression in a significant number of patients. We found a relatively low involvement of the multiprofessional team in the rehabilitation process. Message This two-year multicenter point prevalence study allowed the collection of data on a relatively large sample of older patients with hip fracture showing the possible current limitations in the management of geriatric syndromes in this frail population

Orthogeriatrics: much more action is needed

“…Fourth, it is nice to read the papers focusing on mobilization and rehabilitation after hip fractures [7,8]-this is an area where many hospitals all over the world probably have room for substantial improvement without the increase of resources and costs.…”