The Stronger at Home Study

Hip fracture is a major health problem facing older adults. Hip fractures result in higher mortality, morbidity, and costs than all other osteoporotic fractures combined. When returning home following hip fracture surgery, patients are at high risk of adverse outcomes (e.g., secondary fractures, institutionalisation, and death).

Objectives: This study aims to finalize and pilot test a new program of care including a user-friendly toolkit containing a home-based physiotherapy exercise and pain management program to help community-dwelling older adults recover after hip fractures.

Methods: This study will be two stages: First, finalizing the program. The investigators have created a self-explanatory toolkit that includes an illustrated exercise program based on a critical analysis of previous programs for hip fracture patients. The investigators will organize focus groups and conduct semi-structured interviews with patients, caregivers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to review the program and provide feedback.

Second, conducting a feasibility study. The investigators will pilot the program in a randomized trial with community-dwelling hip fracture patients and compare the intervention with conventional care.

Expected Outcomes: While the number of hip fracture survivors is increasing, they are becoming frailer, and their functional recovery has not improved, making this study timely and relevant. With the current focus on helping older adults "age in place," the proposed project addresses a vital health system challenge: helping older hip fracture patients access proper rehabilitation, so they can stay independent in their homes.