Grant: Project Grant

Hip fractures are one of the most common causes of fall-related hospitalizations in adults over the age of 65. Persons with hip fractures are likely to experience poor outcomes and quality of life following their injury. Patients with hip fractures require treatment from a diverse range of health care providers across settings including hospitals, in-patient rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, home care, assisted living facilities and long-term care homes. They are estimated to undergo many relocations or transfers within six months of incurring the injury. Unfortunately, many patients do not return to pre-injury functional status. These transitions in care are vulnerable periods for patients and families, especially for older adults with hip fractures and complex health and social needs. Our goal in the proposed research is to fill a research gap through in-depth understanding of care journeys across the continuum for adults with hip fractures in urban and rural settings. We will conduct interviews with patients, caregivers, providers and decision-makers within urban and rural areas. We will also use quantitative health administrative data to gain a comprehensive view of care across the continuum. The research team will then summarize the findings and share with patients, caregivers, providers, managers and decision-makers and discuss how we can improve care transitions for person with hip fractures within Ontario and across Canada.