GAPN Postacute Care Coordination Improves Hip Fracture Outcomes

We tested the effectiveness of a nursing intervention model to improve health, function, and return-home outcomes in elders with hip fracture via a 2-year ran-domized clinical trial. Thirty three elders (age> 65 years) were tracked from hospital discharge to 12 months postfracture. The treatment group had a geron-tologic advanced practice nurse as postacute care coordinator for 6 months who intervened with each elder regardless of the postacute care setting, making biweekly visits and/or phone calls. The coordinator assessed health and func-tion, and informed elders, families, long-term care staff, and physicians of the patient’s progress. The control group had care based on postacute facility proto-cols. Nonnormal distribution of data led to nonparametric analysis using Freidman’s test with post hoc comparisons (Mann–Whitney U tests, Bonferroni adjustment). The treatment group had better function at 12 months on several activities and instrumental activities of daily living, and no differences in health, depression, or living situation