Kathy McGilton Headshot 2012

Dr. Kathy McGilton Article: Evaluation of Patient-Centered Rehabilitation Model Targeting Older Persons with a Hip Fracture, Including Those with Cognitive Impairment

16 January 2014

Can older adults with a cognitive impairment (CI) be rehabilitated and regain their independence after suffering a hip fracture?  According to Bloomberg Nursing Associate Professor, Dr. Kathy McGilton, using a patient-centered rehabilitation model of care for this population increases the likelihood of the patient regaining mobility and improves their chances of returning home.

Dr. McGilton’s recent article Evaluation of patient-centered rehabilitation model targeting older persons with a hip fracture, including those with cognitive impairment was published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Geriatrics.  Research indicates that currently 31% to 65% of older persons with a hip fracture have cognitive impairment, and that hospitals are limited in the number of specialized rehabilitation beds they can offer these patients.  Dr. McGilton and her team created a patient-centered rehabilitation model of care for this population, including individuals with cognitive impairment. This model, the PCRM-CI, combined intensive rehabilitation with delirium and dementia management, in addition to education and support for health care providers and family members.

Active rehabilitation for older persons post-hip fracture is not without its challenges. An intensive, inclusive and interdisciplinary rehabilitation model is a feasible option for improving access and quality of care for this population.  The preliminary evidence from the study shows that the PCRM-CI model provides enhanced access and care, and is a viable option for patients who need active rehabilitation services post-hip fracture.   Not only do the results suggest that this form of intervention improves recovery after hip fracture for older patients with complex comorbidities, but also increases the possibility of the patient returning to their home instead of a care facility.

More information on Dr. McGilton’s work can be found here.