Beyond the hospital walls: post-discharge experiences of frail patients after hip fracture surgery, a mixed-methods study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the post-discharge experiences of frail patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted as an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design in September and December 2024. Data were collected using the Patient Demographic Information Form, Edmonton Frail Scale, and Semi-Structured Interview Form. Graneheim and Lundman's qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyze data. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were identified as frail through the evaluation conducted with Edmonton Frailty Scale, and semi-structured interviews were subsequently carried out with each of them. The majority of patients were women with median age of 75 years. Most patients were moderately frail. Six themes have emerged from the content analysis: (1) emotional turmoil, (2) difficulty in adapting to treatment and care recommendations, (3) adjusting to the new normal, (4) changes in activities of daily living, (5) living with pain, and (6) inability to perform religious practices. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery after hip-fracture surgery is multidimensional challenge for frail patients, shaped by emotional distress, pain, dependence in daily activities, and reduced social and spiritual participation. These findings highlight the need for holistic care that supports not only physical recovery but also emotional well-being and religious needs.