Older Adults With Hip Arthroplasty: An Individualized Transitional Care Program

Abstract Background Most older adults with hip fracture surgery experience functional decline (FD), causing devastating outcomes. However, few studies have examined the effects of nursing interventions to reduce FD for them. Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate an individualized transitional care program (ITCP) to reduce FD for older adults with hip arthroplasty. Methods The study was quasiexperimental, with a nonequivalent control group design. A total of 37 participants scheduled for hip arthroplasty were recruited—21 in the experimental and 16 in the control group. Findings Two weeks following surgery (i.e., just prior to discharge), the ITCP group displayed less fear of falling than the usual care group. Moreover, the experimental group displayed objectively less FD with increased activities of daily living and Timed Up and Go scores, 6 weeks after hip arthroplasty. Conclusions This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of nurse-led rehabilitative practices to reduce FD in older adults with hip arthroplasty. Clinical Relevance The ITCP promoted individual physical functioning for older adults with hip arthroplasty. This study results can aid healthy transitions of elderly patients with other various diseases.