Tele-rehabilitation Intervention for People Post Hip Fracture - Pilot Study

Most surviving hip-fracture patients experience reduced mobility and lose their functional ability, which increases the risk of complications and rehospitalization. Post-discharge transitional programs to reduce readmissions have shown some success. Telerehabilitation refers to the use of technologies to provide rehabilitation services to people in their homes. Considering the need for long-term follow-up care for people with hip fracture, in-home telerehabilitation could increase independence, decrease hospital stays and reduce the burden for caregivers. The purpose of the pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the research methods evaluating telerehabilitation with adults who have experienced hip fracture, in preparation for a larger randomized controlled study. A one-group (N=6) pre-test/post-test design is currently being constructed. Results of the pilot study will be used to determine what adaptations to the design may be required to ensure successful implementation. Recruitment, retention and attendance rates, as well as percentages completing the outcome measures, will be examined to plan the time frame of the main trial. The intervention will include 10 videoconferencing sessions from an occupational therapist in the presence of the primary caregiver. Each session will be utilized to guide the participants to achieve their self-identified goals, focusing on problem-solving for daily life situations and on the ability to implement the discussed strategies for a variety of activities.