Older adult’s recovery from hip fracture: A literature review

SummaryThis paper examines studies on older adult’s recovering from hip fracture and views these in relation to practice. A metasearch engine was used to access health databases to identify studies relevant to recovery from hip fracture that occurs predominantly in the older adult. Three themes emerged: professional; quality of life, and ageing status. Results suggest recovery has a predominant functional restorative focus although recovery outcome is also influenced by physical function and psychosocial factors. Results suggest that the patient-centric approach has been lost in the drive for organisational efficiency has potentially driven care delivery, which has emphasised safer interventions and improved programmes. This has reduced complications and shortened length of stay in hospital but the psychosocial factors that have a long-term affect on recovery have been lost altogether. Investigating the patient-centric approach to care for older adults recovering from hip fracture is required to balance the organisational efficiency within healthcare systems. Mental health recovery models may provide such a framework to review the patient focused approach.