The concerns of older women during inpatient rehabilitation after fractured neck of femur

Abstract

Aims There have been many studies conducted on the impact of fractured neck of femur on older women, but they have not focused specifically on the psychosocial impact of this injury on the lives of previously independent older women. This pilot study aimed to explore the impact of fractured neck of femur on the lives of previously independent women, and identify their concerns when participating in inpatient rehabilitation following their fracture. Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five women hospitalized for rehabilitation following fractured neck of femur. Qualitative description within the constructivist paradigm and using thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Findings All of the five women experienced loss of control as a distressing consequence of fractured neck of femur. Their primary concerns were about the behaviour of others, what was happening to them, the impact of their injury on others and their other health issues. Conclusions Loss of control is a major issue for older women who fracture a femur. In addition, during rehabilitation they are concerned about a range of issues, some of which seem to have the potential to be ameliorated by thoughtful staff-initiated interactions. Identification of what concerns patients can help staff know where to focus their input as they guide and support patients on their rehabilitation journeys. Further research is required to guide and refine the development of effective staff-initiated interactions.

See me, teach me, guide me, but it’s up to me! Patients’ experiences of recovery during the acute phase after hip fracture

“…As in previous studies, patients expressed concerns regarding their future, and how they will manage after discharge, and becoming a burden to significant others, which left them feeling worried and insecure [28,33]. A further study by Zid en et al reported that patients continue to experience these feelings of uncertainty at one month after discharge [34].…”

A qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of patients living with mild, moderate and severe frailty, following hip fracture surgery and hospitalisation

“…Most studies have focused on the period immediately after injury; including how patients make sense of the acute injury and hospital experience [ 27 – 29 ], communication and information provision [ 30 , 31 ], interactions with others on the ward and management of acute pain [ 32 , 33 ]. Other studies have explored more contextual factors such as patients’ experience of the discharge process and transition of care [ 30 , 34 ], challenges patients experience to rehabilitation [ 28 , 30 , 32 , 35 ], as well as the importance of support from family and friends [ 27 , 30 , 34 , 35 ]. Long term rehabilitation and recovery are of particular concern to patients as they return home with the aim to minimise loss of independence [ 36 , 37 ].…”