Difficulties in life after hip fracture and expected hospital supports for patients and their families

To describe difficulties experienced by patients with hip fracture after subacute care, and support wanted from the hospital following surgery. This was a survey study of two community general hospitals in Japan. A questionnaire was sent to patients and/or their family members. Data were collected from 2010 to 2012. This study used both statistical and qualitative content analysis. The mean number of days since surgery was 613.6 (range 126–1247) days. Four categories of difficulties were formulated: ‘difficulties in activities in daily living (ADL)’, ‘physical symptoms’, ‘reduced social activities’ and ‘anxiety’. ‘Difficulties in ADL’ included movement, standing/sitting, instrumental ADL and self-care. The most common difficulties in ADL involved walking. ‘Physical symptoms’ included pain, cognitive impairment, oedema and tiredness. ‘Anxiety’ included anxiety about recovering ambulatory ability and anxiety about the future. The most common support wanted was continuous rehabilitation at the same hospital. The greatest difficulties experienced by patients with hip fracture after subacute care were pain and ambulatory problems. The most common support wanted was continuous rehabilitation at the same hospital. Therefore, more pain control care and continuous rehabilitation at the hospital performing surgery is necessary.