Orthopaedic nursing
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Orthopaedic nursing · May 2004
Cognitive function and health-related quality of life after delirium in connection with hip surgery. A six-month follow-up.
Delirium is a serious psychiatric disorder, and elderly patients who undergo hip surgery are at higher risk for delirium development. ⋯ Of the 115 patients, 32 became delirious during hospital stay (D group), whereas the remaining patients did not (NonD group). Both D and NonD groups scored lower on the Mini Mental State Examination at follow-up than during hospital stay, but the deterioration was significantly greater in the D group. At follow-up, health-related quality of life was improved in patients who were destined for hip replacement surgery but unchanged or impaired for those with hip fracture. Delirium onset in connection with hip fracture lowered the health-related quality of life even more. At follow-up, low cognitive function correlated with lower scoring in physical function. Greater knowledge about delirious patients' vulnerable positions related to lower cognition and life quality can improve rehabilitation and support for these patients.