Journal of advanced nursing
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This paper reports the results of a descriptive study of elderly subjects undergoing orthopaedic hip surgery under two qualitatively different events; planned surgery for hip replacement and unplanned emergency surgery following hip fracture. Its purpose was to describe sleep satisfaction, pain perceptions and psychological concerns of subjects undergoing similar procedures but having differential contexts for their experience and different outcomes. Delirium is a common phenomenon following orthopaedic hip surgery. ⋯ Pain was greater for unplanned surgery subjects and in particular for unplanned surgery subjects who succumbed to delirium. Sleep satisfaction was markedly poorer among subjects who experienced delirium. The findings are discussed with respect to nursing practice priorities and attitudes toward pain management.