Rehabilitation at home following early discharge after hip surgery

This article summarizes an evaluation of a therapy-led ‘rehabilitation at home’ service which caters for patients who were selected for earlier than normal discharge from hospital following hip surgery. The evaluation was commissioned to provide independent evidence on the safety, effectiveness and outcomes of the service. The rehabilitation experience of patients was compared with that of a comparison group who were not selected for early discharge. A range of objective and subjective measures were employed to determine whether there were any differences in outcomes between the two groups. There is no doubt that ‘early’ home discharge accompanied by comprehensive, well resourced and well planned rehabilitation has many therapeutic advantages.