Patient-Centered Education After Hip Fracture Surgery

Hip fracture is a major cause of disability, functional decline, and increased healthcare utilization among older adults. This study is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted at the Orthopedic Department and Orthopedic Outpatient Clinics of Qena University Hospital. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group receiving a structured patient-centered educational program in addition to routine postoperative care or a control group receiving routine postoperative care alone. Randomization will be performed using computer-generated random numbers with allocation concealment using sealed opaque envelopes, and outcome assessment will be conducted by a blinded assessor. The educational program includes education on postoperative care, pain management, safe mobility, rehabilitation exercises, activities of daily living, prevention of postoperative complications, and discharge planning, supported by an illustrated educational booklet. Participants will be followed from the preoperative assessment through hospital discharge and scheduled postoperative follow-up visits.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.
• Medically stable and able to participate in the educational program.
• Able to understand study instructions and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Cognitive impairment that prevents participation (e.g., dementia).
• Severe comorbidities that significantly limit mobility.
• Discharged before completion of the educational program.