Factors predicting rehabilitation outcomes of elderly patients with hip fracture.
OBJECTIVE
To identify predictors of rehabilitation outcomes for the development of a case-mix system to rehabilitate patients suffering from hip fractures.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Two hospitals in Hong Kong.


METHODS
A cohort of hip fracture patients in 2005 (n=303) with a mean age of 82 years was studied. Rehabilitation outcomes were defined as: mortality, length of stay, placement, ambulation status, activity of daily living at the time of discharge and at 6-month follow-up. A comparison between groups and multivariate analysis was conducted to validate the best predictors.


METHODS
Potential predictors and rehabilitation outcomes.


RESULTS
Two predictors, the Abbreviated Mental Test score of lower than 6 (odds ratio=0.19, P<0.05) and the Functional Independence Measures score of lower than 75 (odds ratio=38.0, P<0.05), at the time of admission to the rehabilitation setting were found to be related to outcomes. Our findings provided further support for a case-mix system based on these two factors, as they could correctly assign patients into three groups with different baseline characteristics and outcomes. A review of the possible limitations of the existing service with respect to each case-mix group was also conducted.


CONCLUSIONS
A case-mix system utilising the cognition and activity of daily living function is recommended. Revisions of respective care plans are advocated with more realistic outcome expectations and specific actions for the respective case-mix groups. An evaluation study on the usefulness of this case-mix classification could then follow.
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Centre, Kowloon Central Cluster, Kowloon Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Raymond  P H
R
Chin
Bobby  H P
B
Ng
Lydia P C
LP
Cheung
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000401:mortality / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome