Structured Tailored Rehabilitation After Hip Fragility Fracture
Broken hips are serious, and we don't yet know the very best way to help people get back on their feet afterwards. This study is testing a new approach called 'tailored rehabilitation'. This means different types of support will be given based on each person's individual needs. Patients have helped design this study, and 60 older people who've had hip surgery will be invited to take part. Researchers will use a simple online tool to work out if a person is at low, medium, or high risk of not recovering well. Half of the participants will get standard care, and the other half will get extra, tailored rehabilitation. If this small study looks promising, a bigger study will follow to see if this new approach truly helps people get home and feel happier.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Each year in the UK, many older people break their hip. Even after surgery, recovery can be tough, with some people struggling to walk again or needing more help at home. We know that rehabilitation (planned exercises and support) after a broken hip is important. However, there's no single best approach that works for everyone.
This study is looking at a new idea called 'tailored rehabilitation'. This means identifying different groups of patients who might have different needs for recovery, and then giving them support that's just right for them. For example, someone who is already quite fit before their hip break might need different help than someone who was more fragile. Patients who have recovered from a broken hip themselves say that this kind of personalised help is very important. The NHS is also keen on this tailored approach for improving healthcare.
This small study aims to see if the NHS can actually provide this new, personalised rehabilitation for older adults who have broken a hip. If it seems possible and helpful, the next step would be a larger study to really check if it makes a difference to how well people recover, helping them get back home and improving their happiness.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new, personalised approach to hip fracture recovery.
- Aims to see if tailored rehabilitation can be delivered by the NHS.
- Compares standard care with extra, risk-based support.
- Involves 60 older adults who've had hip surgery.
- Could lead to improved recovery and happiness after a broken hip.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you would need to be 60 years old or older and have been admitted to hospital because you needed surgery for a broken hip. It's also important that you are able and willing to understand what the study involves and agree to take part.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. If you're under 60, or if your hip wasn't fixed with surgery (which is rare), you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you broke your hip while already in hospital for a different reason, or if you're currently in another medical study and the research teams haven't said it's okay to join both, then this study might not be suitable for you.
- Are you 60 years old or older?
- Were you admitted to hospital for surgery on a broken hip?
- Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?
- Did you break your hip before being admitted to hospital for another reason?
- Are you not currently part of another clinical trial (unless agreed)?
- Was your broken hip fixed with surgery?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, 60 patients will be picked by chance to join. Everyone will receive the usual care that their local hospital provides. In addition, half of those taking part will get extra, tailored rehabilitation during their hospital stay. The type of extra help you get will depend on your individual needs and risk level, which will be worked out using a simple online tool.
For example, if you're in the 'low-risk' group, you might receive a self-managed exercise plan. If you're 'medium-risk', you could get education, exercises to help you move better, and extra help planning your return home. If you're 'high-risk', you might receive education, help with daily activities, and extra assessments.
Researchers will collect information at the very beginning of the study, part-way through, at the end, and then again 12 weeks later. The full study duration for each participant is not specified, but assessments will cover your hospital stay and the 12 weeks following.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- St Thomas HospitalLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'fragility fracture'?
A fragility fracture is a broken bone that happens from a fall or injury that wouldn't normally break a healthy bone. It often means your bones are weaker, like with osteoporosis.
What is 'tailored rehabilitation'?
It's a way of giving you rehabilitation support that is specially designed for your personal needs and risks, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
How will my 'risk level' be decided?
Researchers will use a simple online tool to work out if you are at low, medium, or high risk of not recovering well after your hip fracture.
Will taking part affect my usual care from the NHS?
No, everyone in the study will still receive all the usual care provided by the NHS for a broken hip. The extra rehabilitation is in addition to this.
What will happen if this small study is successful?
If this small study shows that this tailored rehabilitation can be delivered by the NHS and looks promising, the researchers plan a bigger study to confirm its benefits for patients.
How to find out more
Katie J Sheehan, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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