A Pilot Investigation of the Short-Term Effects of an Interdisciplinary Intervention Program on Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture in Taiwan

RESULTS: Subjects in the experimental group improved significantly more than those in the control group in the following outcomes: ratio of hip flexion 1 month after discharge (P 5.02), recovery of previous walking ability at 1 month (P 5.04) and 3 months (P 5.001) after discharge, and activities of daily living at 1 month (P 5.01) and 2 months (P 5.001) after discharge. Three months after discharge, the experimental group showed significant improvement in peak force of the fractured limb’s quadriceps (P 5.04) and the following health outcomes: bodily pain (P 5.03), vitality (Po.001), mental health (P 5.02), physical function (Po .001), and role physical (P 5.006). They also had fewer depressive symptoms (P 5.008) 3 months after discharge. CONCLUSION: This intervention program may benefit older people with hip fractures in Taiwan by improving their clinical outcomes, self-care abilities, and HRQOL and by decreasing depressive symptoms within 3 months after discharge. J Am Geriatr Soc 53:811–818, 2005.