Some outcomes may be amenable to psychosocial treatments; however, there is insufficient evidence to recommend practice changes. Further research on interventions described in this review is required, including attention to timing, duration, setting and administering discipline(s), as well as treatment across care settings. To facilitate future evaluations, a core outcome set, including patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life and compliance, should be established for hip fracture trials.
GAPN postacute care coordination improves hip fracture outcomes.
We tested the effectiveness of a nursing intervention model to improve health, function, and return-home outcomes in elders with hip fracture via a 2-year randomized clinical trial. Thirty three elders (age > 65 years) were tracked from hospital discharge to 12 months postfracture. The treatment group had a gerontologic advanced practice nurse as postacute care coordinator for 6 months who intervened with each elder regardless of the postacute care setting, making biweekly visits and/or phone calls. The coordinator assessed health and function, and informed elders, families, long-term care staff, and physicians of the patient's progress. The control group had care based on postacute facility protocols. Nonnormal distribution of data led to nonparametric analysis using Freidman's test with post hoc comparisons (Mann-Whitney U tests, Bonferroni adjustment). The treatment group had better function at 12 months on several activities and instrumental activities of daily living, and no differences in health, depression, or living situation.