Hip fracture; an interruption that has consequences four months later. A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Effects following a hip fracture often lead to functional disabilities and increased dependence on others. Although persons sustaining a hip fracture constitute a heterogeneous group in Swedish health care, they tend to be treated as a homogenous one.

Aim: The aim of this study was to reveal how previously healthy people, aged 65 years and older, described how they had adapted to daily life four months after a hip fracture.

Method: The follow-up interviews were performed by the first author four months after the hip fracture. Data were analysed using conventional inductive content analysis.

Findings: The results from the interviews highlight that sustaining a hip fracture - even four months later - was seen by the participants as an interruption leading to lasting consequences for everyday life. The recovery process during this period was complex and consisted of both physical and psychological strain. Some were resigned, some strived in order to regain independence and some handled the situation by means of self-confidence and self-efficacy.

Conclusion: Previous healthy and independently-living participants described, in different ways that the hip fracture was an interruption that still affected everyday life. The absence of psychological support may be one of the reasons for dependency after four months.

Keywords: Content analysis; Healthy individuals; Hip fractures; Patients personal experiences; Recovery of function.