A Group Learning Programme for Old People with Hip Fracture: A Randomized Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine whether a group learning programme would influence the participants' perceived activity performance and ability to participate in social life after a hip fracture. The study comprised 35 people aged 54-90 years with hip fracture who had completed ordinary care and rehabilitation after their hip fractures. They were randomized to an intervention group (n=21) or to a control group (n=14). The intervention group participated in the group learning programme, while the control group received no intervention. Directly after the intervention and at 12 months after the intervention, no significant change was seen in either group, regarding the ability to perform ADL activities measured by the Barthel ADL index, or the performance of activities that were identified as important to the individual. However, in the intervention group, the number of ADL items perceived to be performed with difficulties decreased, and the perceived ability to participate in social life increased. These changes were not found in the control group. When analysed between groups, however, the only significant difference was the ability to participate in social life after the intervention. Further research is needed to investigate whether an intensive or prolonged period of rehabilitation, at the hospital or in the patient's home, would increase the ability to resume meaningful participation in social life.