Discharge transition experienced by older Korean women after hip fracture surgery: a qualitative study

Young Ji Ko,Ju Hee Lee,Seung-Hoon Baek

doi:10.1186/s12912-021-00637-9

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore older Korean women’s discharge transition experiences after hip fracture surgery.MethodsThis was a descriptive qualitative study. Face-to-face interviews following hip fracture surgery were conducted on 12 women aged 65–87 years. Data were collected 1 to 2 days before discharge and again 4 weeks after discharge following hip fracture surgery, and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFour main themes were identified: (1) challenge of discharge transition: unprepared discharge, transfer into other care settings, and eagerness for recovery; (2) physical and psychological distress against recovery: frail physical state and psychological difficulties; (3) dependent compliance: absolute trust in healthcare providers, indispensable support from the family, and passive participation in care; and (4) walking for things they took for granted: hope of walking and poor walking ability.ConclusionsAfter their hip fracture surgeries, older women hoped to be able to walk and perform simple daily chores they previously took for granted. Considering the physical and psychological frailty of older women undergoing hip surgery, systematic nursing interventions including collaboration and coordination with other healthcare professionals and settings are necessary to ensure the quality of continuous care during their post-surgery discharge transition. Encouraging partial weight bearing and initiating intervention to reduce fear of falling at the earliest possible time are essential to attain a stable discharge transition. Additionally, older women should be invited to participate in their care, and family involvement should be encouraged during the discharge transition period in South Korea.

Highlights

With the rapid growth in the older population, hip fractures incidences are increasing [1]
Hip fractures require long periods to recover, and dependence is inevitable during a discharge transition [12]
The major transitional difficulties that older adults face after hip fractures are physical function limitations, and pain and its management [13]

Summary

Introduction

With the rapid growth in the older population, hip fractures incidences are increasing [1]. The major transitional difficulties that older adults face after hip fractures are physical function limitations, and pain and its management [13]. Difficulties in physical performance in their life situations typically result in most older adults with various underlying diseases being transferred to other care settings [3, 13, 15, 16]. They perceive problems in the quality of care due to lack of a communication system between care settings [17], which causes limited continuous care [8].

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Conclusion