Early Home Rehabilitation for the Elderly Patient with Hip Fracture The Peterborough Hip Fracture Scheme

Abstract

In October 1986 a scheme began which was intended to provide the optimum treatment for patients who had sustained fractures of the proximal femur (hip fractures). It combined team management with, where possible, early discharge and home rehabilitation. The team, included a community physiotherapist responsible for supervising the patients in their homes. During the first 18 months of operation over half of all such patients were found to be suitable for early discharge. Substantial reductions were noted in hospital stay and duration of nursing care. Patients rehabilitated at home recovered pre-injury levels of independence quicker than similar patients managed conventionally. The more practical and realistic nature of home rehabilitation is considered to be the reason for this quicker recovery. © 1990, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. All rights reserved.