Occupational therapy after hip fracture: a pilot study of the clients, the care and the costs

The effects of extended occupational therapy rehabilitation were assessed over four months in 17 elderly hip-fracture patients. The programme included home visits and adaptations of the home environment. On five occasions postoperatively, the patients' activities of daily living (ADL) performance was assessed using the Klein-Bell ADL scale and their pain and apprehension using visual analogue scales. Significant and maintained improvements were shown in 'dressing', 'hygiene/bathing' and 'mobility'. Patients estimated that their ability had increased for all ADL activities studied, but that 'hair washing', 'making the bed' and 'buying food' remained the most difficult. The mean per capita cost of the occupational therapy programme was US $1461.