Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Nov 2019
Comparative StudyPost-discharge use of assistive devices following hemiarthroplasty: comparison of fracture patients with or without hip precautions.
Purpose: To describe which types of assistive devices prescribed and actually used, either due to precautions or due to true functional reasons, after hip fracture-related hemiarthroplasty. Materials and methods: About 394 patients cluster-randomized 2010-2014 at a university hospital. Control group with standard postoperative precautions to reduce dislocations, mandatory assistive devices and knee brace for 6 weeks (in cognitively impaired) compared to non-precaution group with assistive devices only if needed. ⋯ The evidence base for such precautions is weak and occupational therapy and assistive devices may be costly. The current study shows that prescriptions and instructions from occupational therapists in hospital is more or less not follow after dismissal. Assistive devices should be prescribed based on the hip fracture patient's true functional needs, and not routinely or due to arthroplasty precautions.