Quality of life in older adults following a hip fracture: an empirical comparison of the ICECAP-O and the EQ-5D-3 L instruments

Exploring Quality of Life and Mortality in Pertrochanteric Fragility Hip Fractures in Northern Greece: A Single Tertiary Center Study

Background: Fragility-related pertrochanteric fractures have become a significant public health concern, with a rising incidence attributed to the expanding elderly demographic. Assessing patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mortality, and factors correlated with them serves as a crucial metric in evaluating the effectiveness of hip fracture surgery. Methods: In a single-center retrospective study, 259 patients underwent surgical treatment with a cephalomedullary nail, with a mean follow-up of 21.7 months. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using SF-12 (12-item Short Form) and EQ-5D (EuroQoL-5 Dimensions) questionnaires. Mobility status was measured by the Crude Mobility Index (CMI). Surveys were administered during hospitalization and six months postoperatively. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, non-parametric controls (Kendall, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon), and Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis, which were conducted using IBM SPSS version 28. Results: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the mean EQ-5D and SF-12 scores at 6 months post-op compared to the pre-fracture status. The ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) score showed a significant correlation with the decrease in HRQoL measured by the SF-12 questionnaire. The 30-day post-operative mortality rate was 9.3%, increasing to 32.4% at 1 year. Notably, the 30-day mortality significantly rose during the pandemic era (5.0% vs. 12.0%; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Pertrochanteric hip fractures cause a lasting decline in quality of life. Annual mortality is high, and further investigations are needed to formulate policies that prevent hip fractures and reduce mortality rates.

HIP fracture Supplemental Therapy to Enhance Recovery (HIPSTER): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures result in substantial health impacts for patients and costs to health systems. Many patients require prolonged hospital stays and up to 60% do not regain their prefracture level of mobility within 1 year. Physical rehabilitation plays a key role in regaining physical function and independence; however, there are no recommendations regarding the optimal intensity. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of early intensive in-hospital physiotherapy compared with usual care in patients who have had surgery following a hip fracture.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This two-arm randomised, controlled, assessor-blinded trial will recruit 620 participants who have had surgery following a hip fracture from eight hospitals. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive usual care (physiotherapy according to usual practice at the site) or intensive physiotherapy in the hospital over the first 7 days following surgery (two additional sessions per day, one delivered by a physiotherapist and the other by an allied health assistant). The primary outcome is the total hospital length of stay, measured from the date of hospital admission to the date of hospital discharge, including both acute and subacute hospital days. Secondary outcomes are functional mobility, health-related quality of life, concerns about falling, discharge destination, proportion of patients remaining in hospital at 30 days, return to preadmission mobility and residence at 120 days and adverse events. Twelve months of follow-up will capture data on healthcare utilisation. A cost-effectiveness evaluation will be undertaken, and a process evaluation will document barriers and facilitators to implementation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee has approved this protocol. The trial findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, submitted for presentation at conferences and disseminated to patients and carers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12622001442796.

Evaluating the cost utility of estradiol plus dydrogesterone for the treatment of menopausal women in China

AIM

Evaluate the cost utility of menopausal hormone therapy for women in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A bespoke Markov cost utility model was developed to evaluate a cohort of symptomatic perimenopausal women (>45 years) with intact uterus in China in accordance with China's Pharmacoeconomic guideline. Short (5-year) and long (10-year) treatment durations were evaluated over a lifetime model time horizon with 12-month cycle duration. Societal and healthcare payer perspectives were evaluated in the context of a primary care provider/prescriber, outpatient setting with inpatient care for patients with chronic conditions. Disease risk and mortality parameters were derived from focused literature searches, and China Diagnosis-related Group cost data was included. Comprehensive scenario, univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were undertaken along with independent validation. This is the first model to include MHT-related disease risks.

RESULTS

According to base case results, the total cost for MHT was 22,516$ (150,106¥) and total quality adjusted life years 12.32 versus total cost of no MHT 30,824$ (205,495¥) and total quality adjusted life years 11.16 resulting in a dominant incremental cost effectiveness ratio of -7,184$ (-47,898¥) per QALY. Results hold true over a range of univariate deterministic sensitivity and scenario analyses. Probabilistic analysis showed a 91% probability of being cost effective at a willingness to pay threshold of three times Gross Domestic Product per capita in China.

CONCLUSION

Contingent on the structure and assumptions of the model, combination of estradiol plus dydrogesterone MHT is potentially cost saving in symptomatic women over the age of 45 years in China.

Socio-demographic disparities in health-related quality of life after hip fracture in China: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

This study analyzed the impact of hip fractures on people's health-related quality of life and its socio-demographic disparities in China.

PURPOSE

Hip fractures cause high mortality and worsened health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to investigate whether socio-demographic-related inequities in post-hip fracture participants' HRQoL exist in China.

METHODS

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (waves 2013, 2015, and 2018) were used. The measurement of HRQoL in this study focused on 5 health dimensions: depression, body pain, mobility, basic activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living. A difference-in-differences (DID) analysis with multiple time periods was performed to gauge the impact of hip fracture on HRQoL. A multivariate regression approach was used to explore socio-demographic-related factors associated with inequities of HRQoL.

RESULTS

A total of 23,622 individuals were included, and 341 participants reported hip fracture events during the survey period. In participants with hip fracture, the presentation rate of body pain increased by 14% (p < 0.01) and the HRQoL of other health dimensions worsened (p ≤ 0.01) after hip fracture. The DID analysis showed that hip fracture had a negative impact on all HRQoL dimensions (p < 0.01). Socioeconomic-related factors of HRQoL inequities included school education level and location of residence. Study participants with hip fracture with greater educational attainment or living in urban areas had higher (p < 0.05) levels of HRQoL. In addition, comorbidities also correlated with a worse HRQoL (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Hip fracture significantly affects people's HRQoL in China, and the impact is more profound for those with lower educational attainment or living in rural areas. Targeted interventions should be designed to narrow this inequity.

Rehabilitation Outcomes Following Hip Fracture of Home-Based Exercise Interventions Using a Wearable Device-A Randomized Controlled Pilot and Feasibility Study

Although hip fractures are common and severe, there is insufficient evidence concerning which type of rehabilitation is most beneficial. The primary aim of this three-armed pilot study was to investigate any difference in outcome after hip fractures between and within groups in terms of balance, everyday activities, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following different home rehabilitation interventions. Further aims were to study feasibility and to suggest, if necessary, adjustments to the protocol for a future full randomized controlled trial (RCT). In total, 32 persons were included in this study. The intervention groups underwent the HIFE program with or without an inertial measurement unit, while the control group underwent standard rehabilitation. Within- and between-groups differences in outcomes and feasibility outcomes in terms of recruitment and retention rates were analyzed, and the ability to collect primary and secondary outcomes was assessed. Balance, measured as postural sway, showed no significant improvement in any group. All three groups improved in functional balance (p = 0.011-0.028), activity of daily living (p = 0.012-0.027), and in HRQoL (p = 0.017-0.028). There were no other significant changes within or between the groups. The recruitment rate was 46%, the retention rate was 75%, and the ability to collect outcome measures was 80% at baseline and 64% at follow-up. Based on the results, it is possible to, after adjusting the protocol, conduct a full RCT.

Quality of life in older adults with chronic kidney disease and transient changes in renal function: Findings from the Oxford Renal cohort

Background

Quality of life (QoL) is an important measure of disease burden and general health perception. The relationship between early chronic kidney disease (CKD) and QoL remains poorly understood. The Oxford Renal Study (OxRen) cohort comprises 1063 adults aged ≥60 years from UK primary care practices screened for early CKD, grouped according to existing or screen-detected CKD diagnoses, or biochemistry results indicative of reduced renal function (referred to as transient estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction).

Objectives

This study aimed to compare QoL in participants known to have CKD at recruitment to those identified as having CKD through a screening programme.

Methods

Health profile data and multi-attribute utility scores were reported for two generic questionnaires: 5-level EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) and ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults (ICECAP-A). QoL was compared between patients with existing and screen-detected CKD; those with transient eGFR reduction served as the reference group in univariable and multivariable linear regression.

Results

Mean and standard deviation utility scores were not significantly different between the subgroups for EQ-5D-5L (screen-detected:0.785±0.156, n = 480, transient:0.779±0.157, n = 261, existing CKD:0.763±0.171, n = 322, p = 0.216) or ICECAP-A (screen-detected:0.909±0.094, transient:0.904±0.110, existing CKD:0.894±0.115, p = 0.200). Age, smoking status, and number of comorbidities were identified as independent predictors of QoL in this cohort.

Conclusion

QoL of participants with existing CKD diagnoses was not significantly different from those with screen-detected CKD or transient eGFR reduction and was similar to UK mean scores for the same age, suggesting that patient burden of early CKD is minor. Moreover, CKD-related comorbidities contribute more significantly to disease burden in earlier stages of CKD than renal function per se. Larger prospective studies are required to define the relationship between QoL and CKD progression more precisely. These data also confirm the essentially asymptomatic nature of CKD, implying that routine screening or case finding are required to diagnose it.

Musculoskeletal health and capability wellbeing: Associations between the HAQ-DI, ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O measures in a population survey

BACKGROUND

The capability approach has received increasing attention in wellbeing measurement in the past years, but it has still remained an underexplored area in musculoskeletal (MSK) health.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the capability wellbeing in relation to MSK health, by measuring the associations between the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) physical functioning and the ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O capability wellbeing measures.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey was performed in 2019 on a representative sample of the Hungarian general adult population.

METHOD

Capability wellbeing was measured by the ICECAP-A (age-group 18-64) and ICECAP-O (age group 65+) questionnaires. MSK health was defined by the HAQ-DI, the mobility domain of the EQ-5D-3L/-5L health status measures, self-reported walking problems and MSK diagnosis (neck/back/low back defects, hip/knee arthrosis, osteoporosis).

RESULTS

Altogether 2021 individuals (female: 50.1%) participated in the survey with mean (SD) age of 48.7 (17.9) years and HAQ-DI of 0.138 (0.390). ICECAP-A (N = 1568, 77.6%) and ICECAP-O (N = 453, 22.4%) scores were on average (SD) 0.894 (0.126) and 0.828 (0.150), respectively. Spearman correlations between the HAQ-DI and ICECAP-A/-O index scores were moderate (r = -0.303 and -0.496; p < 0.05). Both the ICECAP-A/-O index scores differed significantly (ANOVA test, p < 0.05) across all MSK subgroups. In the ordinary least square regressions, marginal effects of ICECAP-A/-O scores on HAQ-DI were significant (-0.149 and -0.123) when controlling for socio-demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

MSK health problems are associated with lower capability wellbeing. ICECAP-A/-O might capture effects of MSK conditions not measured by the HAQ-DI or the EQ-5D-5L. Further studies should test these associations in disease-specific samples.

Patient-reported outcome measures after hip fracture in patients with chronic cognitive impairment : results from 34,675 patients in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register

Aims

Hip fracture patients have high morbidity and mortality. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assess the quality of care of patients with hip fracture, including those with chronic cognitive impairment (CCI). Our aim was to compare PROMs from hip fracture patients with and without CCI, using the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register (NHFR).

Methods

PROM questionnaires at four months (n = 34,675) and 12 months (n = 24,510) after a hip fracture reported from 2005 to 2018 were analyzed. Pre-injury score was reported in the four-month questionnaire. The questionnaires included the EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, and information about who completed the questionnaire.

Results

Of the 34,675 included patients, 5,643 (16%) had CCI. Patients with CCI were older (85 years vs 81 years) (p < 0.001), and had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification compared to patients without CCI. CCI was unrelated to fracture type and treatment method. EQ-5D index scores were lower in patients with CCI after four months (0.37 vs 0.60; p < 0.001) and 12 months (0.39 vs 0.64; p < 0.001). Patients with CCI had lower scores for all dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L pre-fracture and at four and 12 months.

Conclusion

Patients with CCI reported lower health-related quality of life pre-fracture, at four and 12 months after the hip fracture. PROM data from hip fracture patients with CCI are valuable in the assessment of treatment. Patients with CCI should be included in future studies.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):454–465.

Quality of Life and Functional Independence of Hip Fracture Patients: Data from a Single Center Follow-Up Study in Sri Lanka

Background

Data on the functional outcomes of hip fracture patients in Sri Lanka are limited. As this information is required for the design of long-term care plans, we assessed the physical activities (activities of daily living [ADL]) and quality of life (QoL) of hip fracture survivors in Sri Lanka.

Methods

A group of 180 consecutive patients with incident hip fractures admitted to a tertiary care center in Southern Sri Lanka were followed up for 12 months. The Sinhala versions of the Barthel Index, 36-Item Short-Form Survey, and Mini-Mental State Examination were used to assess ADL, QoL, and mental status, respectively.

Results

Of the 180 patients (149 women), 107 underwent surgery. An initial sharp decline and partial recovery of ADL and QoL were observed among patients with hip fractures. Furthermore, patients who underwent surgical treatment showed faster recovery of ADL and QoL than did patients who were managed conservatively. Similarly, patients who did not have complications during the hospital stay showed faster recovery of ADL and QoL than did patients with one or more complications.

Conclusions

Hip fractures profoundly affected both ADL and QoL, and recovery remained incomplete at 12 months post fracture. Patients who underwent surgery had a faster recovery than did patients who did not undergo surgery; similarly, patients without complications also had a faster recovery than did those with complications.

Measuring capabilities in health and physical activity promotion: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The capability approach by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum has gained increasing attention in the field of public health. As it combines individual, social and structural factors and shifts the focus of attention from the actual behavior towards available options for health behaviors that people can actually choose from, it may help advance our understanding of complex health issues.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to identify and describe tools available to measure capabilities within the context of health, with a specific focus on capabilities for health-enhancing physical activity.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic literature review using 11 databases covering scientific journal articles published in English or German between the years 2000 and 2020 with a focus on capabilities for health or physical activity.

RESULTS

We found a total of 51 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Four articles measured capabilities using qualitative methods, one combined qualitative and quantitative methods, while the rest used quantitative methods. We identified a total 11 different capability questionnaires, all showing moderate to good validity/reliability. Only one questionnaire and one interview-based tool specifically dealt with capabilities for health enhancing physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Although we were able to identify measurement tools for capabilities in health, this review has shown that there is no generic tool available for the measurement across all population- and age-groups, and tools focusing on physical activity are scarce. However, our results can be used as guide for future projects that aim at measuring capabilities.

Physical Therapy Management of Older Adults With Hip Fracture

Hip fracture is a leading cause of profound morbidity in individuals aged 65 years and older, ranking in the top 10 causes of loss of disability-adjusted life-years for older adults. Worldwide, the number of people with hip fracture is expected to rise significantly due to the aging population and other factors. Physical therapist management is recommended within medical, surgical, and multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline (CPGs) and is considered to be the standard of care in rehabilitation for people with hip fracture. The goal of this CPG was to review the evidence relevant to physical therapist management and to provide evidence-based recommendations for physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and assessment of outcome in adults with hip fracture. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(2):CPG1-CPG81. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0301.

Impact of a Postoperative Intervention Educational Program on the Quality of Life of Patients with Hip Fracture: A Randomized, Open-Label Controlled Trial

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a postoperative educational intervention program on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with hip fracture using a controlled clinical trial in a randomized, multicenter study. In total, 102 patients (45.5%) from trauma units at the two University Hospitals of the province of Cáceres received the educational program, whereas 122 (54.5%) did not. Patients were consecutively included in either an intervention or a control group. Patients from the intervention group received an educational program during admission and the postoperative period. Patients from the control group did not receive any educational program. These patients were managed according to routine protocols. The patients were predominantly female (76.3%), aged 84.6 years (SD 6.1). All dimensions in both groups at 12 months showed a significant decrease with respect to baseline, except for bodily pain in both groups (p = 0.447; p = 0.827) and social functioning in the intervention group (p = 0.268). Patients receiving the educational program showed higher levels in the dimensions of the Mental Component Summary (MCS-12) (p = 0.043), vitality (p = 0.010), and social functioning (p < 0.001), as well as in the dimensions of the SF-12 health survey questionnaire of HRQoL 12 months after surgery. In conclusion, our study of the intervention group showed that there were significant improvements in MCS-12, vitality, and social function dimensions compared to the control group.

Sarcopenia in women with hip fracture: A comparison of hormonal biomarkers and their relationship to skeletal muscle mass and function

Objectives

Sarcopenia is a decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. It is associated with adverse outcomes and increased mortality. Sarcopenia is also reported to be prevalent in the hip fracture population. Our aims in this study are to compare the hormonal profile in women with hip fracture to controls, and to assess the relationship between hormonal biomarkers to skeletal muscle mass and function in these women.

Methods

A cross sectional study was performed enrolling women above age 60 years old with hip fracture as a study group. For comparison healthy women from the community were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for analysis of hormonal profiles. Measures of skeletal muscle mass and function by muscle area on computed tomography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and grip strength was performed.

Results

A high proportion of sarcopenic individuals were detected in the hip fracture group (60%). Women with hip fracture compared to controls were older (P = 0.073), had lower serum albumin levels (P < 0.001), serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (P < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor binding protein -3 (IGFBP-3) (P < 0.001), free testosterone levels (P = 0.001), and impaired beta cell function by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA beta) (P = 0.038).

Conclusions

There is a high proportion of sarcopenic individuals in the hip fracture group. Lowered serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, HOMA beta cell function, and free testosterone levels were detected in this group and may serve as potential biomarkers of sarcopenia.

[120-day follow-up after proximal femoral fractures-first results from the Geriatric Trauma Registry DGU®]

BACKGROUND

Geriatric trauma centers which are certified to the status of a Geriatic Trauma Center DGU® based on the criteria catalogue as outlined by the German Trauma Society (DGU), are required to participate in the Geriatric Trauma Register (ATR-DGU) for quality management and outcome analyses. The evaluation is pseudoanonymous and includes data on all treated hip fracture patients over 70 years old. This has been in regular use since 2016. This study analyzed the postoperative evaluation of gait, mortality, quality of life, hospital readmission and treatment of osteoporosis after 120 days.

METHODS

A voluntary retrospective data evaluation of the ATR-DGU 120-day follow-up from 2017 was carried out. Written consent for the analysis and publication of the data was obtained from six clinics that already participated in the follow-up. The primary target parameters were mortality rate, readmission and revision rates, gait quality, osteoporosis treatment and quality of life according to EQ-5D-3L. The patient data were completely pseudonymized and a descriptive analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

In this study 957 patients from the 6 hospitals were included. The average age was 84.5 years (±6.8 years). The mortality rate during the acute treatment phase was 5%. The 120-day follow-up could be evaluated in 412 patients, 10% of these required hospital readmission due to complications oft he same fracture and of these 6% required revision surgery. The mortality rate at 120 days was 12%. In 54% of the patients the fracture led to deterioration of mobility and 49% of patients received osteoporosis treatment after 120 days. The results of the EQ-5D-3L at 120 days revealed improvement as compared to the values on postoperative day 7; however, the preoperative status with respect to mobility and quality of life could not be regained.

CONCLUSION

Despite the clear advantages of interdisciplinary treatment, the results are still limited concerning mobilization and quality of life. Further analysis of causative and influencing factors is necessary.

Quality of life after hip fracture: a 12-month prospective study

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is an important and frequent health problem worldwide. To date, there are still limited studies focused on the analysis of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after a hip fracture in the Spanish population, especially with long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the HRQOL at 12 months after hip fracture and to identify potential factors associated with HRQOL.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Traumatology units of two university hospitals in province Cáceres (Spain).

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 224 patients were admitted to the unit and required immediate surgery due to a hip fracture.

METHODS

HRQOL was measured with the EuroQol-5D questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the SF-12 Health Survey.

RESULTS

Scores from the visual analog scale EQ-5D decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from 72.8 at baseline to 48.3 after 1 month, to 48.2 after 6 months and to 46.1 after 12 months. The EQ-5D index score showed a similar significant reduction (p < 0.001) from 0.6 to 0.1, 0.3 and 0.3, respectively. Values of the physical component summary (PCS-12) significantly decreased (p < 0.001) from 38.6 at baseline to 31.0, 33.1 and 33.5. The mental component summary (MCS-12) decreased from 46.5 to 44.8 after 6 months (p = 0.022) and 44.3 after 12 months (p = 0.005). Factors potentially associated with HRQOL at 12 months after hip fracture were depression status after 12 months (B = 0-1.876; 95% CI [-2.409 to -1.343]; p < 0.001), functional ambulation classification after 12 months (B = -12.133; 95% CI [-17.970 to -6.297]; p < 0.001), EQ-5D VAS at baseline (B = 0.223; 95% CI [0.115-0.330]; p < 0.001), and age (B = -0.323; 95% CI [-0.594 to -0.053; p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients experience a significant impairment in HRQOL H after a hip fracture, especially in self-care, pain/discomfort, usual activities, mobility and anxiety/depression. The decline in the HRQOL is effective the first month and lasts at least 12 months after the surgical intervention.

Capability instruments in economic evaluations of health-related interventions: a comparative review of the literature

PURPOSE

Given increasing interest in using the capability approach for health economic evaluations and a growing literature, this paper aims to synthesise current information about the characteristics of capability instruments and their application in health economic evaluations.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to assess studies that contained information on the development, psychometric properties and valuation of capability instruments, or their application in economic evaluations.

RESULTS

The review identified 98 studies and 14 instruments for inclusion. There is some evidence on the psychometric properties of most instruments. Most papers found moderate-to-high correlation between health and capability measures, ranging between 0.41 and 0.64. ASCOT, ICECAP-A, -O and -SCM instruments have published valuation sets, most frequently developed using best-worst scaling. Thirteen instruments were originally developed in English and one in Portuguese; however, some translations to other languages are available. Ten economic evaluations using capability instruments were identified. The presentation of results show a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate way to use capability instruments in economic evaluations with discussion about capability-adjusted life years (CALYs), years of capability equivalence and the trade-off between maximisation of capability versus sufficient capability.

CONCLUSION

There has been increasing interest in applying the capability-based approach in health economic evaluations, but methodological and conceptual issues remain. There is still a need for direct comparison of the different capability instruments and for clear guidance on when and how they should be used in economic evaluations.

Quality of life in elderly people after a hip fracture: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is an important social and medical problem due to its increasing prevalence, the consequences for health and the economic impact on the health care system, but there is no doubt that it also has repercussions on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Hence the importance of understanding and determining the impact of the condition on everyday life from the perspective of the patient's physical, emotional and social well-being.

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of hip fracture on HRQoL of people over the age of 65 1 month after surgery, related factors and the effects on functional ability and mood.

METHODS

Prospective observational study conducted in the traumatology units of two university hospitals in the province of Cáceres with consecutive sampling of all patients over the age of 65 admitted for hip fracture surgery during the study period. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded at the time of admission and prospectively at the follow-up visit 1 month later. Clinical, social, quality of life (EQ-5D-), basic functional and instrumental capacity (Barthel Index (BI) and Lawton & Brody Scale), and geriatric depression (Yesavage) variables were collected.

RESULTS

The study included 224 patients with a median age of 84.6 years (SD ± 6.1), 76.3% were female. Charlson's comorbidity was 5.3 (SD ± 1.2). The EQ-5D index decreased from 0.62 (SD ± 0.35) to 0.16 at 1 month follow up (SD ± 0.20) p <  0.001. The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of EQ-5D decreased from 72.8 (SD ±15.8) to 48.3 (SD ± 17.2) p <  0.001. All dimensions of EQ-5D showed a significant reduction from the time of pre-fracture status to 1 month after surgery. Independent factors associated with HRQoL 1 month after surgery were pre-fracture status Barthel Index score, Lawton and Brody scale, presence of depression, and type of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

After a hip fracture, patients experience considerable deterioration in their HRQoL, especially in self-care, daily activities, and mobility. There is also a significant decline in functional capacity for both the basic and instrumental activities of daily living. One month after surgery, HRQoL is a long way from pre-fracture levels.

What are the influencing factors in self-rated health status after hip fracture? A prospective study on 402 patients

Health status (HS) and influencing factors in HS were evaluated six and 12 months after hip fracture. One-third of the patients did not reach their pre-fracture HS within 1 year. HS before fracture and fall risk could, inter alia, be identified as influencing factors.

PURPOSE

From a patient's perspective, regaining pre-fracture health status (HS) is one of the most important factors concerning the outcome after hip fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HS and particularly to identify influencing factors in HS 6 and 12 months after hip fracture.

METHODS

A total of 402 patients with hip fractures aged 60 years and older were included. HS was evaluated using the EQ-5D questionnaire pre-fracture and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify influencing factors in HS at 6 and 12 months. Afterwards, the results in the EQ-5D index were dichotomized into worse and equal/better results than before fracture, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the dichotomized variables at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

The EQ-5D index decreased from 0.71 before the fracture to 0.60 at 6 months (p < 0.001) and increased slightly to 0.63 at 12 months (p = 0.328). A high pre-fracture EQ-5D index was associated with not reaching the pre-fracture EQ-5D index, and a high Tinetti score at hospital discharge was associated with reaching the pre-fracture EQ-5D index at 6 and 12 months. A high ASA score was an influencing factor behind a lower EQ-5D index than before the fracture at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip fractures constitute a deep and long-lasting drop in the patients' HS. Early and intensive physiotherapy and individualized rehabilitation programmes regarding a patient's living situation before the fracture seem to be essential to improve HS.

ICECAP-O, the current state of play: a systematic review of studies reporting the psychometric properties and use of the instrument over the decade since its publication

PURPOSE

A paper reporting the development of the ICECAP-O was published in 2006. Since then, there has been increasing interest in the use of capability-based measures within health economics and the ICECAP-O has been suggested for use in economic evaluation by decision-making bodies in the Netherlands and UK.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies published between January 2006 and October 2018 which have assessed the psychometric properties of ICECAP-O or utilised the measure within economic evaluation.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies explored the psychometric properties of ICECAP-O and 21 have utilised the measure within economic evaluation; one study reported psychometric properties as well as utilising the measure within economic evaluation. The ICECAP-O has good construct validity and responsiveness, but there is evidence of some issues relating to content validity. In the context of economic evaluation, the ICECAP-O has, to date, mainly been included as a secondary economic measure and the reporting of results is brief with minimal detail and often no discussion. Five of the economic evaluation studies combined scores from ICECAP-O with time, but each used different terminology to describe this result.

CONCLUSION

Focus, in terms of publications, appears to have shifted now from assessment of psychometric properties to the utilisation of the ICECAP-O within economic evaluation. Further research is needed with respect to a decision-rule for the ICECAP measures. This additional research should also guide users in terms of appropriate analysis, terminology and presentation of results, which are in-keeping with the conceptual framework underpinning the ICECAP-O.

Economic evaluations in community aged care: a systematic review

Background

This paper reports the methods and findings from a systematic review of economic evaluations conducted in the community aged care sector between 2000 and 2016.

Methods

Online databases searched were PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and web of science, CINAHL and informit. Studies were included if they 1) were full economic evaluations that compared both the costs and outcomes of two or more interventions 2) in study population of people aged 65 years and over 3) dependent older people living in the community 4) alternatives being compared were care models or service delivery interventions in the community aged care sector (a group of programs that have been established as a support system to allow older people to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible, as an alternative to institutional or residential care) and 5) published in the English language between 2000 and November 2016.

Results

Eleven studies reporting upon economic evaluations of service delivery interventions in community aged care were identified; the majority of which were undertaken in Europe. Critical appraisal of the identified studies highlighted the methodological rigour in these evaluations.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the paucity of economic evaluation studies conducted to date in the community aged care sector. The findings highlight the importance of cost utility analysis methodology as it allows for a uniform outcome measure, that facilitates the comparison of different interventions. In addition, multi-attribute utility measures that represent those quality of life domains that are most important to older people should be used and attention must be paid to the inclusion of informal care costs and outcomes as this is a key resource in community aged care service delivery.