Effect of Implementing a Discharge Plan on Functional Abilities of Geriatric Patients with Hip Fractures

Abstract

Hip fracture is considered one of the most fatal fractures for elderly people, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality and impaired functional capacity, particularly for basic and instrumental activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of implementing a discharge plan on functional abilities of geriatric patients with hip fractures. Design: A quasi experimental research design was used in this study. Subjects: The study subjects comprised 60 elders with hip fractures divided into two equal groups (study and control) where each group consists of 30 elders. The experimental group received the discharge plan beside routine care in hospital, whereas, control group received only the routine hospital care. Conclusion: Applying the discharge plan on geriatric patients with hip fracture was effective in enhancing recovery rate for performing ADLs. Positive but insignificant recovery rate was found in some IADLs.

Keywords: hip fracture, functional abilities, older adults, discharge plan.