Mobilisation and physiotherapy intervention following hip fracture: snapshot survey across six countries from the Fragility Fracture Network Physiotherapy Group

Abstract

Purpose

Hip fracture guidelines recommend early mobilisation, multidisciplinary care, physiotherapy and fall prevention interventions. This study documents mobilisation practices and physiotherapy interventions provided post-hip fracture in six countries.

Materials and methods

Physiotherapists from orthopaedic wards in Denmark, Australia, Spain, Brazil, Norway and Ireland provided information regarding mobilisation and physiotherapy for 10 consecutive hip fracture patients (>60 years), between 2014 and 2018.

Results

Physiotherapists (n = 107) entered data on 426 patients. Two-thirds of patients (283, 66%) attempted standing 0-1 days after surgery (range: 0% of patients in Spain to 92% in Norway). Fewer patients (199, 47%) attempted walking on day 0-1 (range: 0% Spain/Brazil to 69% Norway). Physiotherapy to mobilise every weekday was provided to 356 patients (84%, range: 60% Ireland to 100% Spain). On weekends, physiotherapy to mobilise was limited (175, 40%, range: 0% Spain to 81% Brazil) but 298 patients (70%) mobilised with non-physiotherapy staff (range: 0% Spain to 96% Denmark/Ireland). Physiotherapy treatments included mobility, gait training, and range-of-motion exercises. Referral to fall prevention interventions was low (93, 22%, range: 0% Spain to 76% Ireland).

Conclusion

Stronger compliance with guideline recommendations on early mobilising, weekend mobilising and referral to fall prevention interventions post hip-fracture is needed in some countries.

Implications for rehabilitation

•  This study provides a snapshot of mobilisation and physiotherapy practice for hip fracture patients in six countries. The results suggest a need to improve systems and approaches in some countries to enhance compliance with recommendations specifically relating to:

•  • early attempts at standing and walking post-surgery.

•  • opportunities to mobilise on weekends (with physiotherapist and/or other staff).

•  • broader range of multidisciplinary care e.g., geriatric review, occupational therapy and nutrition advice.

•  • use of standardised tests by physiotherapists post-surgery.

•  • referral to fall prevention interventions.

Keywords:

• Hip fracture
• mobilisation
• physiotherapy
• older people
• rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).