PREDICTORS OF FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY ONE YEAR FOLLOWING HOSPITAL DISCHARGE FOR HIP FRACTURE - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

This study evaluates predictors of recovery in walking ability, PADLs, and IADLs one year following hospital discharge for hip fracture. The sample consisted of 536 hip fracture patients aged 65 and older admitted from the community of one of seven Baltimore area hospitals between 1984 and 1986 and surviving one year post-hospital discharge. A large proportion of hip fracture patients do not regain pre-fracture PADL and IADL levels; most recovery in walking ability and ability to perform PADL and IADLs occurs by 6 months. Those who are older, have longer hospital stays, and are rehospitalized, exhibit poorer recovery, as do those displaying chronic or acute cognitive deficits and depressive symptomatology while hospitalized. Also, contact with one's social network following hospital discharge is associated with greater recovery. Findings point to the importance of psychosocial factors for recovery and suggest areas where hospital-based interventions and discharge planning efforts should focus.