Riassunto dello studio

Seventy-seven patients aged 50 years and older, recovering from hip fractures and planning to return home, were randomised to either usual care with hospital-based discharge planning (n=40) or usual care plus a pre-discharge home assessment visit by an occupational therapist (n=37). The primary outcomes of interest were functional independence, falls, and health-related quality of life measured at 30 days and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included hospital re-admissions and overall healthcare costs. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the home assessment group had a significantly higher functional independence at 6 months, fewer falls at 30 days, and a mean cost saving of A$6182. These findings suggest that pre-discharge home assessment visits are likely cost-effective in reducing falls and restoring functional independence in this patient group.