Rehabilitation and Discharge

Abstract

Fragility fracture is the result of a combination of bone fragility and falls and often leads to hip fracture, a devastating injury for both the patient and their family. The recovery process requires both physical and psychosocial care [1], and much research has focused on physical function, including post-hospital discharge and rehabilitation. All patients presenting with a fragility fracture following a fall should have a full multidisciplinary assessment and interventions to prevent future fractures and falls. The care, rehabilitation and discharge of patients with hip fracture are a significant challenge for many services, but the quality and cost-effectiveness of such care vary considerably. This chapter aims to discuss the role of the nurse in the rehabilitation and hospital discharge phases of the care trajectory. Learning OutcomesAt the end of this chapter, and following further study, the nurse will be able to:• Describe strategies for effective rehabilitation and post-hospital care of older people following fragility fracture • Describe the role of the nurse in rehabilitation • Identify and apply strategies for supporting patient motivation and increase selfmanagement during recovery • Effectively plan patient discharge with the involvement of the patient, family and caregivers.

Nursing in the Orthogeriatric Setting

“…From admission, patients should be offered a formal, acute, orthogeriatric or orthopaedic ward-based hip fracture programme that includes the following [31]:…”