Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness analysis of home-based rehabilitation following hip fracture surgery: Study protocol

Background: Hip fracture incidence has risen significantly with population aging. Postoperative rehabilitation plays an important role in patient recovery. Home-based rehabilitation promotes continuous care. However, evidence of clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness is needed. Objectives: To investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation compared with facility-based rehabilitation as the usual rehabilitation scheme after hip fracture surgery. Materials and methods: This study was a quasi-experimental design with cost-effectiveness analysis. One hundred and four participants were recruited (52 participants per arm). Both groups received interventions for 8 weeks, either at the patient’s home or at the hospital. Outcome variables included physical performance, ability to perform daily activities, fall efficacy, and quality of life. These outcomes were evaluated at baseline, postintervention, and at the 6-month follow-up. Moreover, we performed a cost-effectiveness analysis after the 6-month follow-up period. Results: The outcome variables would be evaluated and compared between groups and time points at baseline, after the 8-week intervention, and at the 6-month follow-up. The changes in clinical outcomes would be examined and reported for both between- and within-group comparisons. The cost-effectiveness at the 6-month follow-up would be specified as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), while also considering parameter uncertainty. Conclusion: Home-based rehabilitation following hip fracture surgery was expected to enhance functional recovery, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, this intervention could help solve patients’ problems related toaccessibility and continuing care.