Discharge Planning Services significantly improved self-care capacity (SMD 0.59; 95% CI 0.43-0.75; P<0.001) and reduced complication rates (OR 0.37; P=0.002) in patients after hip fracture.
Meta-Analysis (n=861)
Do structured discharge planning services improve functional recovery and reduce complications in patients after hip fracture?
Structured discharge planning services significantly improve functional recovery and reduce complications in patients transitioning from hospital to home after a hip fracture.
Effect estimate: SMD 0.59 (95% CI 0.43-0.75)
p-value: p=<0.001
Background The postdischarge period presents a high-risk transition for those frequently face debilitating challenges , including diminished self-care capacity, limited lower-extremity function, and a heightened risk of complications. Discharge Planning Services (DPS) are essential for mitigating these risks because they facilitate a coordinated and safe transition from hospital to home. Aim To systematically evaluate the impact of structured discharge planning services ondischarge readiness, functional recovery, and complication reductionfor patients after hip fracture. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive literature search was performed from database inception until March 5, 2026 across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, EBSCO, and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP). We included RCTs evaluating DPS for patients with hip fractures. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I 2 statistic. Results Our systematic review included a total of 9 studies involving 861 patients with hip fractures. Meta-analysis revealed that DPS significantly improved patients’ self-care capacity (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI 0.43–0.75, P < 0.001) and multiple dimensions of functional status. Specifically, DPS led to notable gains in the Harris Hip Score (MD = 8.21, 95% CI 7.26–9.16, P < 0.001), the Fugl–Meyer Assessment Scale (MD = 4.61, 95% CI 3.87–5.35, P < 0.001), and the Berg Balance Scale (MD = 6.05, 95% CI 3.77–8.34, P < 0.001). Furthermore, DPS was associated with a significant reduction in complication rates (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.19–0.71, P = 0.002). An increase in Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale scores was observed but did not reach statistical significance (SMD = 2.13, 95% CI −0.60–3.66, P = 0.060). Conclusion The findings from this meta-analysis suggest that discharge planning services can be effective at improving key transition-of-care outcomes, such as self-care capacity, and functional recovery, and reducing postdischarge complications in individuals recovering from hip fracture.
Yan et al. (Thu,) conducted a meta-analysis in hip fracture (n=861). Discharge Planning Services (DPS) was evaluated on self-care capacity (SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.75, p=<0.001). Discharge Planning Services significantly improved self-care capacity (SMD 0.59; 95% CI 0.43-0.75; P<0.001) and reduced complication rates (OR 0.37; P=0.002) in patients after hip fracture.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: