A brief cognitive therapy intervention to reduce the fear of falling and enhance daily living amongst older adults undergoing rehabilitation after hip fracture.

Electronic versions

Documents

  • Geoffrey Douglas Watts

    Research areas

  • Psychology, Medicine

Abstract

Of all the injuries resulting from falls, hip fractures are often the most stressful and produce high levels of disability. The costs of hip fracture for Older Adults are considerable. These include risks of mortality, immediate morbidity associated with surgery, the loss of independence and long term deterioration in levels of functioning. In addition to any loss of function related to physical trauma, psychological trauma i.e. fear of falling, may also produce a decline in levels of physical and social activity which is self imposed. This study investigated the efficacy of a brief cognitive intervention in improving outcome amongst older adults after hip fracture. Two groups of participants were investigated with one group receiving the cognitive intervention and the other group treatment as usual. No significant effect was found in reducing fear of falling. However significant differences were found post-study in cognitive function, instrumental activities and duration of hospital stay suggesting that the intervention was effective in enhancing the outcome of rehabilitation. These results are discussed in relation to self-efficacy theory.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Bangor University
Supervisors/Advisors
    Award dateJan 1999