PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION FOR OLDER HIP FRACTURE PATIENTS

Hip fracture is a major medical problem for older adults. Recent studies demonstrate that the incidence of hip fracture is increasing exponentially with age, so that the incidence doubles every 5 years after the age of 50 (Barangan, 1990). Research suggests that psychosocial variables are one determinant of recovery (Kauffman, Albright & Wagner, 1987; Mossey & Knott, 1990; Mossey, Mutran, & Knott, 1989). Although numerous studies suggest that psychological interventions in health care settings improve patient well-being and can help to reduce medical costs, little is known about the ability of psychological interventions to reduce psychological distress and to potentially improve outcomes in older hip fracture patients.