Postoperative Dietary Intake of Hip Fracture Patients
This study is checking the food intake of older adults who have had surgery for a hip fracture. From the day of their operation until three days later, researchers are carefully measuring how much these patients eat. The main goal is to see if they are getting enough energy from their food. Researchers also want to find out if what people eat affects how long they stay in hospital, if other health problems they have influence their appetite, or if their diet is linked to developing complications like infections or pressure sores. This information could help improve care for hip fracture patients by better understanding the role of nutrition.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When an older person breaks their hip, it's a very serious injury. In the UK, many thousands of hip fractures happen each year, and unfortunately, some people don't recover well. Doctors and researchers are always looking for ways to improve how patients get better after hip surgery. Nutritional support, which is making sure patients get enough to eat and drink, is believed to be very important, but we need more information about it.
This study, called "Postoperative Dietary Intake of Hip Fracture Patients," is an observational study. This means the researchers will simply watch and record what happens, without giving any new treatments. They are focusing on what older adults eat in the first few days after their hip fracture surgery. They'll be carefully measuring how much food and drink patients consume to see if they're getting enough energy to help them recover.
The main thing the study wants to find out is if the amount of energy people get from their food after surgery meets the basic energy their body needs just to rest. They will also look at whether what people eat affects how long they stay in hospital, if other existing health problems change their food intake, and if there's a link between their diet and developing common problems like infections or bed sores after surgery. The hope is that this research will give us valuable insights to help improve recovery and care for hip fracture patients in the future.
Key takeaways
- Study observes what older adults eat after hip surgery.
- Aims to see if patients get enough energy from their diet for recovery.
- Looks at links between diet, hospital stay, other health issues, and complications.
- Participation involves a researcher weighing your food for a few days after surgery.
- No new treatments or medications are given.
- Information gathered could help improve future hip fracture care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for older adults who have recently broken their hip and need surgery to fix it. To join, you must be 60 years old or older and have a confirmed hip fracture that requires an operation.
However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if your hip fracture was caused by an underlying disease (like cancer weakening the bone) or a severe accident (like a car crash). You also need to be able to speak English to give your permission to be in the study, and if you are currently having cancer treatment, you won't be able to take part.
- Are you 60 years old or older?
- Do you have a broken hip that needs surgery?
- Is your hip fracture NOT due to an illness (like cancer) or a major accident?
- Can you speak English well enough to understand and agree to take part?
- Are you currently NOT receiving cancer treatment?
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 in this study, it means that from the day of your hip surgery until three days after, a researcher will be carefully observing what you eat and drink. This will involve the researcher weighing your plate of food before you eat and then weighing any leftovers afterwards. If you have any food items with a pre-set weight (like a pot of yoghurt), that weight will be recorded. They will also keep track of your drink intake during meals and any water jugs you have during the day. The researcher will not touch your food, and this process is designed not to cause you any extra stress. There are no extra hospital visits or medications involved, and the full observation period lasts for just a few days after your surgery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Teesside UniversityMiddlesbrough, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the main purpose of this study?
The main purpose is to observe what older adults eat after a hip fracture operation and see if they are getting enough energy from their food.
Will I have to take new medicine or treatment?
No, this is an observational study, meaning you won't receive any new medicines or treatments. Researchers will just be observing what you already eat.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your involvement will be for a short period, from the day of your hip surgery up to three days afterwards.
What will researchers do with my food?
Researchers will weigh your plate of food before you eat and then weigh any leftovers. They will not handle your food directly.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.