Development and Evaluation of a Post–Hip Fracture Instructional Workshop for Caregivers

Abstract

Background and Purpose: A hip fracture is an unexpected traumatic event and mostly the informal caregivers of patients with an acute hip fracture have only short time to learn the new skills of postoperative care and handling of the patient. This sudden responsibility changes the life of the caregiver who perceives a higher level of preoccupation. The objective of this study was to develop and test feasibility for a post-hip fracture in-patient instructional workshop for caregivers of older adults with hip fracture, and to establish their knowledge of hip fracture recovery, and perceptions of the utility and satisfaction with the workshop. Methods: This two-part study was conducted at the (blinded for per-review) from September 2016 to April 2017. We invited caregivers, of consecutive patients (60 years or older) hospitalized for a surgically-treated fall-related hip fracture, to attend an informational and skill-development hospital-based workshop (60-90 minutes in duration) on management strategies post discharge. Following the workshop, we invited caregivers to complete a questionnaire to obtain their knowledge about care after hip fracture, and their perceived concerns. Furthermore, we request they provide feedback on workshop utility and satisfaction (0 to 10 points) and suggestions for improvement. Results and Discussion: Over eight months we delivered 42 workshops. There 103 caregivers who attended the sessions and enrolled in the study, mean (SD) age 52.1 (12.8) years and most of them (69%) were women. Caregivers’ main concern was apprehension for delivering physical care to their family member/friend (75%), followed by lack of time (42%). Caregivers who were employed were 3.16 times as likely to be concerned about time availability to provide care for their family member/friend. The median (Q1-Q3) of both workshop utility and satisfaction was 10 (10,10), minimum-maximum: 7-10. Conclusions: Caregivers in this study stated that the workshop was useful and satisfactory. As caregivers play such a vital role in recovery after hip fracture providing knowledge and skill development as part of healthcare delivery may support more person-centered care.