Premium
Reducing acute confusional states in elderly patients with hip fractures
Author(s) -
Williams Margaret A.,
Campbell Emily B.,
Raynor William J.,
Mlynarczyk Susan M.,
Ward Sandra E.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
research in nursing and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1098-240X
pISSN - 0160-6891
DOI - 10.1002/nur.4770080405
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , orthopedic surgery , psychological intervention , confusion , physical therapy , nursing interventions classification , surgery , nursing , psychology , physics , psychoanalysis , optics
The extent to which the incidence of postoperative acute confusional states could be reduced in elderly (⩾ age 60) patients with hip fractures was tested. Interpersonal and environmental nursing interventions were carried out with 57 patients on orthopedic units in three hospitals. The incidence of confusion was reduced from 51.5% in the comparison group ( n = 170) to 43.9%. Analysis that controlled for risk factors in the two groups showed the drop in incidence to be significant ( p <.02). The most effective interventions appeared to be those that provided orientation and clarification, corrected sensory deficit, and increased continuity of care.