TITLE:
Effect of a Discharge Preparation Service on Postoperative Recovery in Older Adults with Hip Fracture: A Quasi-Experimental Study
AUTHORS:
Tian Qiu, Jiaxin Liu, Guiling Huang
KEYWORDS:
Older Hip Fracture, Discharge Preparation Service, Readiness for Hospital Discharge, Functional Recovery, Readmission
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Older adults with hip fractures face complex hospital-to-home transitions. Discharge Preparation Services (DPS) may improve continuity and outcomes, but evidence in orthopedic wards remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a structured DPS on functional recovery, readiness for hospital discharge (RHD), inpatient complications, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day unplanned readmission. Methods: Quasi-experimental study in a tertiary hospital. Ninety-two patients were enrolled; 83 completed analysis (intervention n = 40; control n = 43). Both groups received routine perioperative care; the intervention additionally received DPS comprising early dual-person assessment (patient + caregiver), individualized written discharge plan and rehab pathway, multimodal education (bedside + booklet + WeChat), and post-discharge telephone/WeChat follow-up with community referral as needed. Outcomes—Harris Hip Score (HHS), Barthel Index, patient/caregiver RHD, inpatient complications, LOS, and 30-day readmission—were assessed at discharge, 1 month, and 3 months. Group comparisons used t/Mann-Whitney, χ2/Fisher, and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results: Groups were comparable at baseline. The intervention achieved higher HHS at discharge (total/function/ROM, P Conclusions: A structured DPS meaningfully improves functional recovery and discharge readiness while reducing complications, LOS, and early readmissions in older adults with hip fracture. DPS is feasible for orthopedic wards and should be integrated with community rehabilitation through a referral-and-feedback loop.