Course of fear of falling after hip fracture: findings from a 12-month inception cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the course of fear of falling (FoF) up to 1 year after hip fracture, including the effect of prefracture FoF on the course. DESIGN: Observational cohort study with assessment of FoF at 6, 12 and 52 weeks after hip fracture. SETTING: Haaglanden Medical Centre, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: 444 community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and older, admitted to hospital with a hip fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Short Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), with a cut-off score ≥11 to define elevated FoF levels. RESULTS: Six weeks after hip fracture the study population-based mean FES-I was located around the cut-off value of 11, and levels decreased only marginally over time. One year after fracture almost one-third of the population had FoF (FES-I ≥11). Although the group with prefracture FoF (42.6%) had slightly elevated FES-I levels during the entire follow-up, the effect was not statistically significant. Patients with persistent FoF at 6 and 12 weeks after fracture (26.8%) had the highest FES-I levels, with a mean well above the cut-off value during the entire follow-up. For the majority of patients in this group, FoF is still present 1 year after fracture (84.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, representing patients in relative good health condition that are able to attend the outpatient follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks, FoF as defined by an FES-I score ≥11 was common within the first year after hip fracture. Patients with persistent FoF at 12 weeks have the highest FES-I levels in the first year after fracture, and for most of these patients the FoF remains. For timely identification of patients who may benefit from intervention, we recommend structural assessment of FoF in the first 12 weeks after fracture.

Self-perceived functioning and (instrumental) activities of daily living questionnaires after a hip fracture: Do they tell the same story?

BACKGROUND: (Instrumental) activities of daily living ((I)ADL) questionnaires are often used as a measure of functioning for different purposes. Depending on the purpose, a measurement of functioning that includes subjective patient perspectives can be relevant. However, it is unclear to what extent (I)ADL instruments capture self-perceived functioning. OBJECTIVE: Explore what functioning means to older persons after a hip fracture and assess the extent to which (I)ADL instruments align with self-perceived functioning. DESIGN: Qualitative interview study with framework analysis. SETTING: Prospective cohort study on recovery after a hip fracture among older persons in a hospital in a large city in the west of the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: Eighteen home-dwelling older persons (≥70 years) who had a hip fracture 6-12 months ago. METHODS: Telephone interviews about functioning before and after the hip fracture were coded and analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: The activities mentioned by participants to be part of their self-perceived functioning could be split into activities necessary to maintain the desired level of independence, and more personal activities that were of value to participants. Both the 'independence activities' and the 'valued activities' mentioned went beyond the activities included in (I)ADL questionnaires. Due to various coping strategies, limitations in activities that are measured in the (I)ADL questionnaires did not necessarily lead to worse self-perceived functioning. CONCLUSION: Self-perceived functioning differs from functioning measured with (I)ADL questionnaires in the items included and the weighing of limitations in activities. Thus, (I)ADL instruments alone are not enough to measure functioning from the perspective of the older person.

Coping strategies of older adults with a recent hip fracture within inpatient geriatric rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: Coping strategies may play an important role as facilitator or barrier for functional recovery after hip fracture. This study explored 1] active and passive coping strategies in hip fracture patients within inpatient geriatric rehabilitation (GR) 2] the association of these coping strategies with depression, anxiety, pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHOD: Secondary data analysis (FIT-HIP trial). Participants were patients with hip fracture, aged 65+ years, admitted to post-acute GR units. Coping was assessed using the 'Active Tackling' and 'Passive Reacting' subscale of Utrecht Coping List (UCL). Depression, anxiety, pain and HRQoL was assessed using GDS-8, HADS-A, NPRS and EQ5D-VAS. Based on UCL norm tables - for both subscales - we dichotomized the group into (extremely) high use of this coping strategy i.e. 'predominantly active coping' (PAC), and 'predominantly passive coping' (PPC); versus their corresponding 'residual groups', i.e. the remaining participants. RESULTS: 72 participants were included. Participants mostly used active coping (PAC: 33.3%), however those engaging in passive coping (23.6%) had significantly more depression and anxiety symptoms (GDS-8 ≥ 3: 31.1% respectively 9.1%, p = 0.040; HADS-A ≥ 7: 58.8% vs 10.9%; p = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Active tackling and passive reacting coping strategies are used by up to one-third of patients with recent hip fracture. Passive coping was associated with more symptoms of depression and anxiety, which in turn may influence rehabilitation negatively. Screening of (passive) coping strategies could contribute to prompt identification of hip fracture patients at risk for negative health outcomes.

Feasibility of a multicomponent cognitive behavioral intervention for fear of falling after hip fracture: process evaluation of the FIT-HIP intervention.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the process evaluation of an intervention developed to reduce fear of falling (FoF) after hip fracture, within an inpatient geriatric rehabilitation setting. This 'FIT-HIP intervention' is a multicomponent cognitive behavioral intervention, conducted by physiotherapists and embedded in usual care in geriatric rehabilitation in the Netherlands. A previous study (cluster randomized controlled trial) showed no beneficial effects of this intervention when compared to usual care. The aim of this study was to gain insight into factors related to the intervention process that may have influenced the effectiveness of the intervention. METHODS: This process evaluation was conducted using an observational prospective study design. Based on quantitative and qualitative data derived from session logs, evaluation questionnaires and interviews, we addressed: 1] recruitment and reach; 2] performance according to protocol; 3] patients' adherence; and 4] opinions of patients and facilitators on the intervention. Participants in this study were: a) patients from 6 geriatric rehabilitation units, who were invited to participate in the intervention (39 adults aged ≥65 years with hip fracture and FoF) and; b) intervention facilitators (14 physiotherapists and 8 psychologists who provide coaching to the physiotherapists). RESULTS: Thirty-six patients completed the intervention during inpatient geriatric rehabilitation. Apart from cognitive restructuring and telephonic booster (which was not provided to all patients), the intervention was performed to a fair degree in accordance with protocol. Patients' adherence to the intervention was very good, and patients rated the intervention positively (average 8.1 on a scale 0-10). Although most facilitators considered the intervention feasible, a limited level of FoF (possibly related to timing of intervention), and physiotherapists' limited experience with cognitive restructuring were identified as important barriers to performing the intervention according to protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The FIT-HIP intervention was only partly feasible, which may explain the lack of effectiveness in reducing FoF. To improve the intervention's feasibility, we recommend selecting patients with maladaptive FoF (i.e. leading to activity restriction), being more flexible in the timing of the intervention, and providing more support to the physiotherapists in conducting cognitive restructuring. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register: NTR5695 (7 March 2016).

Prognostic Factors for Short-term Recovery of Independence in a Multistate Model for Patients With a Hip Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the transitions of community-dwelling patients with a proximal femoral fracture towards recovery of independence using multistate modeling. The prognostic value of factors affecting the short-term rate of recovery of independence in activities of daily living was assessed for the resilient portion of the population. DESIGN: An inception cohort was recruited between 2016 and 2019. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Only community-dwelling older patients admitted with a proximal femoral fracture were included. MEASURES: Follow-up was performed at 6 weeks and 3 months, when the patients' living situation and level of independence were recorded. Multistate modeling was used to study the transition rates of the population through prespecified states of the recovery process. Using this model, prognostic factors for the recovery of independence were identified for resilient patients (defined as those patients who managed to return home at any point in the follow-up after discharge). RESULTS: A total of 558 patients were included, and 218 (40.9%) recovered to prefracture levels of independence. Of the resilient patients, 20.7% were discharged home directly, and 79.3% via a rehabilitation home. In this patient group, a more favorable American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, better prefracture mobility, and the absence of a prefracture fear of falling were statistically significantly associated with a successful recovery. A low level of prefracture independence was inversely associated, meaning that patients with a low level of prefracture independence had a higher chance of successful recovery. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study identified 4 factors with an independent prognostic value for the recovery of independence in resilient patients after a proximal femoral fracture. These factors could be used to construct clinical profiles that contribute to the assessment of the patient's post-acute care needs and recovery capacity. In addition, multistate modeling has been shown to be an effective and versatile tool in the study of recovery prognostics.

Independent factors associated with long-term functional outcomes in patients with a proximal femoral fracture: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The current understanding of prognostic factors of functional recovery after a proximal femoral fracture is limited, and enhancements could improve the prognostic accuracy and target subgroups for additional care strategies. This systematic review aims to identify all studied factors with an independent prognostic value for the long-term functional recovery of patients with a proximal femoral fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational studies with multivariate analyses on prognostic factors of long-term functional outcome after proximal femoral fractures were obtained through an electronic search performed on November 9, 2018. RESULTS: In the 31 included articles, thirteen prognostic factors were studied by at least two independent studies and an additional ten by only one study. Age, comorbidity, functionality and cognition were factors for which the majority of studies indicated a significant effect. The majority of studies which included sex as a factor found no significant effect. The level of evidence for the remaining factors was deemed too low to be conclusive on their relevance for long-term functional outcome. CONCLUSION: The identified factors showed overlap with prognostic factors of short-term functional outcomes and mortality. The validity and applicability of prognostic models based on these factors may be of interest for future research.

The modified functional comorbidity index performed better than the Charlson index and original functional comorbidity index in predicting functional outcome in geriatric rehabilitation: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: In the inpatient rehabilitation of older patients, estimating to what extent the patient may functionally recover (functional prognosis), is important to plan the rehabilitation programme and aid discharge planning. Comorbidity is very common in older patients. However, the role of comorbidity in making a functional prognosis is not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to investigate a modified and weighted Functional Comorbidity Index (w-FCI) in relation to functional recovery and compare its predictive performance with that of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the original Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI). METHODS: The COOPERATION study (Comorbidity and Outcomes of Older Patients Evaluated in RehabilitATION) is a prospective observational cohort study. Data of patients that were admitted in an inpatient geriatric rehabilitation facility in the UK between January and September 2017, were collected. The outcome measures were: the Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) and Barthel index (BI) at discharge, EMS gain/day and BI gain/day. Baseline comorbidity was assessed using the CCI, the FCI and the w-FCI. Correlations, receiver operating curves (ROC), and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The models were adjusted for age, gender and EMS or BI on admission. RESULTS: In total, 98 patients (mean age 82 years; 37% male) were included. The areas under the ROC curves of the w-FCI (EMS at discharge: 0.72, EMS gain/day: 0.72, BI at discharge: 0.66 and BI gain/day: 0.60) were higher than for the CCI (0.50, 0.53, 0.49, 0.44 respectively) and FCI (0.65, 0.55, 0.60, 0.49 respectively). The w-FCI was independently associated with EMS at discharge (20.7% of variance explained (PVE), p < 0.001), EMS gain/day (11.2PVE, p < 0.001), and BI at discharge (18.3 PVE, p < 0.001). The FCI was only associated with EMS gain/day (3.9 PVE, p < 0.05). None of the comorbidity indices contributed significantly to BI gain/day (w-FCI: 2.4 PVE, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The w-FCI was predictive of mobility & function at discharge and mobility gain per day, and outperformed the original FCI and the CCI. The w-FCI could be useful in assessing comorbidity in a personalised way and aid functional prognosis at the start of rehabilitation.

Effects of the FIT-HIP Intervention for Fear of Falling After Hip Fracture: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: Fear of falling (FoF) is common after hip fracture and can impede functional recovery because of activity restriction. The Fear of falling InTervention in HIP fracture geriatric rehabilitation (FIT-HIP intervention) was designed to target FoF and consequently to improve mobility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the FIT-HIP intervention in patients with FoF in geriatric rehabilitation (GR) after hip fracture. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed in 11 post-acute GR units in the Netherlands (2016-2017). Six clusters were assigned to the intervention group, 5 to the usual care group. We included 78 patients with hip fracture and FoF (aged ≥65 years; 39 per group). INTERVENTION(S): The FIT-HIP intervention is a multicomponent cognitive behavioral intervention conducted by physiotherapists, embedded in usual care in GR. The FIT-HIP intervention was compared to usual care in GR. MEASUREMENTS: FoF was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and mobility, with the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Data were collected at baseline, discharge, and 3 and 6 months postdischarge from GR. Primary endpoints were change scores at discharge. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the treatment effect. RESULTS: No significant between-group differences were observed for primary outcome measures. With the usual care group as reference, the FES-I estimated difference between mean change scores was 3.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.0, 7.5, P = .13] at discharge from GR; -4.1 (95% CI -11.8, 3.6, P = .29) after 3 months; and -2.8 (95% CI -10.0, 4.4, P = .44) after 6 months. POMA estimated difference was -0.3 (95% CI -6.5, 5.8, P = .90). CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: The FIT-HIP intervention was not effective in reducing FoF. Possibly FoF (shortly) after hip fracture can to some extent be appropriate. This may imply the study was not able to accurately identify and accordingly treat FoF that is maladaptive (reflective of disproportionate anxiety).

A Prospective Cohort Study on the Effects of Geriatric Rehabilitation Following Acute Exacerbations of COPD.

OBJECTIVES: Older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hospitalized for an acute exacerbation, often do not receive recommended post-acute pulmonary rehabilitation. This underuse might be related to the impaired clinical and functional status of these patients, who are more likely to present with frailty, comorbidities, and disability. Having developed and implemented a geriatric rehabilitation program for these patients (GR_COPD), the primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of this program. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: A prospective cohort study with a 3-month follow-up period. Patients who declined the GR_COPD program were considered as controls. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted at the pulmonary department of 2 hospitals. Patients were eligible when hospitalized as a result of an acute exacerbation of COPD and indicated for the GR_COPD program based on standardized criteria. METHODS: Primary outcome was defined as change in disease-specific health status measured with the clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ), secondary outcome as the exacerbation rate ratio during follow-up. To balance potential confounders between the intervention and control group, propensity score-based weighted linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 158 included patients [78 (49.4%) male, mean age 70.8 (±8.1) years, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second: 35.5 (±12.8) as % of predicted], 78 received the GR_COPD program. The results of the CCQ showed a significant and clinically relevant treatment effect of -0.56 points [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.89, -0.23; P = .001). Patients in the control group had 2.77 times more exacerbations compared with the intervention group (95% CI 2.13, 3.58; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This study shows a clinically relevant effect of the GR_COPD program on disease-specific health status and exacerbation rate. Implementation of the program for older patients with severe COPD hospitalized for an acute exacerbation is recommended.

Reliability and usability of a weighted version of the Functional Comorbidity Index.

PURPOSE: To investigate the reliability of a weighted version of the Functional Comorbidity Index (w-FCI) compared with that of the original Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI) and to test its usability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen physicians collected data from 102 residents who lived in 16 different nursing homes in the Netherlands. A multicenter, prospective observational study was carried out in combination with a qualitative part using the three-step test interview, in which participants completed the w-FCI while thinking aloud and being observed, and were then interviewed afterward. To analyze inter-rater reliability, a subset of 41 residents participated. The qualitative part of the study was completed by eleven elderly care physicians and one advanced nurse practitioner. MEASUREMENTS: The w-FCI was composed of the original FCI supplemented with a severity rating per comorbidity, ranging from 0 (disease absent) to 3 (severe impact on daily function). The w-FCI was filled out at baseline by 16 physicians and again 2 months later to establish intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlations; ICCs). For inter-rater reliability, four pairs of raters completed the w-FCI independently from each other. RESULTS: The ICCs were 0.90 (FCI) and 0.94 (w-FCI) for intra-rater reliability, and 0.61 (FCI) and 0.55 (w-FCI) for inter-rater reliability. Regarding usability of the w-FCI, five meaningful themes emerged from the qualitative data: 1) sources of information; 2) deciding on the presence or absence of disease; 3) severity of comorbidities; 4) usefulness; and 5) content. CONCLUSION: The intra-rater reliability of the FCI and the w-FCI was excellent, whereas the inter-rater reliability was moderate for both indices. Based on the present results, a modified w-FCI is proposed that is acceptable and feasible for use in older patients and requires further investigation to study its (predictive) validity.

Pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease indicated for post-acute pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pain is a significant problem in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with other symptoms, worse health status and lower functional status. Not much is known about pain in unstable disease. The primary aim of the present study is to investigate prevalence, characteristics and relationships of pain in patients with COPD hospitalized for an acute exacerbation (AECOPD) and indicated for post-acute pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This cross-sectional observational study included 149 patients (mean age 70.8 (±7.9) years, 49% male, mean forced expiratory volume in one second as percentage of predicted value 35.3 (±12.6)). Pain was assessed using the brief pain inventory. Functional status and health status were measured using the six-minute walking test (6MWT), the Barthel index (BI) and the clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ), respectively. Pain was prevalent in 39.6% of all patients. Symptom burden was high, especially in patients with pain. Although we found no difference in objective measurements of functional status (6MWT, BI), patients with pain had clinically relevant lower health status (CCQ), attributed to the functional domain. Pain in patients hospitalized for AECOPD and indicated for post-acute PR is a relevant problem and needs more attention. Incorporation of standard pain assessment during exacerbations and post-acute PR is recommended.

Screening for malnutrition in patients admitted to the hospital with a proximal femoral fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of malnutrition in patients admitted with a proximal femoral fracture is considered high and the negative effects on health are well-studied. The SNAQ and the MNA-SF are two screening tools routinely used during admission of acute medical patients. The aim of this study is to compare the screening capacity of the SNAQ score and the MNA-SF, and to evaluate their predictive values for malnutrition using the ESPEN criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-centre study with data routinely collected prospectively from the original patient records was performed in the Haaglanden Medical Centre Bronovo in the Netherlands. All patients with a proximal femoral fracture consecutively admitted between December 19th 2016 and December 21st 2017 were included. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the agreement between the malnutrition screening tools and the predictive values were calculated to compare the SNAQ with the MNA-SF using the ESPEN diagnostic criteria as the reference standard. RESULTS: Data was available from 437 patients. Of all patients admitted with a proximal femoral fracture 16.9% was diagnosed as malnourished by the ESPEN criteria. When screened, 20.1% (SNAQ score) to 47.8% (MNA-SF) of all patients were classified as either at risk for malnutrition or as malnourished. A moderate agreement was found between the MNA-SF and the SNAQ (κ = 0.68). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the SNAQ score were 71.6%, 90.4%, 60% and 94% respectively, compared to 100%, 62.8%, 35.4% and 100% for the MNA-SF. DISCUSSION: The SNAQ has been proven to be a very specific screening tool and the positive predictive value tends to be higher than that of the MNA-SF. However, 28.4% of all malnourished patients with a proximal femoral fracture had a negative screening test when using the SNAQ score. CONCLUSIONS: No benefits were observed for the SNAQ over the MNA-SF as a screening tool for malnutrition in admitted patients with a proximal femoral fracture. Missing a significant portion of malnourished patients or those at risk and consequent under treatment of fragile older patients should be avoided. The well-validated MNA-SF seems more preferable as a screening tool for this patient population.

Comorbidity and intercurrent diseases in geriatric stroke rehabilitation: a multicentre observational study in skilled nursing facilities.

BACKGROUND: Older patients often have multiple comorbidities and are susceptible to develop intercurrent diseases during rehabilitation. This study investigates intercurrent diseases and associated factors in patients undergoing geriatric stroke rehabilitation, focussing on pre-existing comorbid conditions, overall comorbidity and baseline functional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre prospective cohort study included 15 skilled nursing facilities. Data were collected at baseline and at discharge. The primary outcome measures were presence and number of intercurrent diseases. Furthermore, their impact on change in rehabilitation goals or length of stay was examined. Comorbidity was assessed with the Charlson index, and functional status with the Barthel index (BI). RESULTS: Of the 175 included patients, 51% developed an intercurrent disease. A lower baseline BI, a higher Charlson index, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and kidney disease were related to the occurrence of an intercurrent disease (p < 0.05). Moreover, a lower BI, a higher Charlson index, and particularly the presence of DM were independently associated. If both comorbidity and a lower baseline functional status were present, the odds ratio (95% CI) of developing intercurrent diseases was 6.70 [2.33-19.2], compared to 1.73 [0.52-5.72] (comorbidity only) and 1.62 [0.53-4.94] (only BI ≤ 14). CONCLUSIONS: On admission, functional impairments and comorbidity, particularly diabetes, independently contribute to developing intercurrent diseases during geriatric stroke rehabilitation. Therefore, routine evaluation of comorbidity integrated with functional status at the start of rehabilitation is essential to identify patients at risk. Finally, particular attention should be paid to patients with DM to prevent intercurrent diseases and support optimal functional recovery .

A multi-component cognitive behavioural intervention for the treatment of fear of falling after hip fracture (FIT-HIP): protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is a common injury in the geriatric population. Despite surgical repair and subsequent rehabilitation programmes, functional recovery is often limited, particularly in individuals with multi-morbidity. This leads to high care dependency and subsequent use of healthcare services. Fear of falling has a negative influence on recovery after hip fracture, due to avoidance of activity and subsequent restriction in mobility. Although fear of falling is highly prevalent after hip fracture, no structured treatment programme is currently available. This trial will evaluate whether targeted treatment of fear of falling in geriatric rehabilitation after hip fracture using a multi-component cognitive behavioural intervention (FIT-HIP), is feasible and (cost) effective in reducing fear of falling and associated activity restriction and thereby improves physical functioning. METHODS/DESIGN: This multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted among older patients with hip fracture and fear of falling who are admitted to a multidisciplinary inpatient geriatric rehabilitation programme in eleven post-acute geriatric rehabilitation units. Fifteen participants will be recruited from each site. Recruitment sites will be allocated by computer randomisation to either the control group, receiving usual care, or to the intervention group receiving the FIT-HIP intervention in addition to usual care. The FIT-HIP intervention is conducted by physiotherapists and will be embedded in usual care. It consists of various elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, including guided exposure to feared activities (that are avoided by the participants). Participants and outcome assessors are blinded to group allocation. Follow-up measurements will be performed at 3 and 6 months after discharge from geriatric rehabilitation. (Cost)-effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention will be evaluated. Primary outcome measures are fear of falling and mobility. DISCUSSION: Targeted treatment of fear of falling may improve recovery and physical and social functioning after hip fracture, thereby offering benefits for patients and reducing healthcare costs. Results of this study will provide insight into whether fear of falling is modifiable in the (geriatric) rehabilitation after hip fracture and whether the intervention is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register: NTR 5695 .

Assessment of Comorbidity Burden and its Association With Functional Rehabilitation Outcome After Stroke or Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: A well-grounded functional prognosis during triage for rehabilitation is important, especially in older patients who experience the burden of comorbidity. However, it remains unclear what impact comorbidity has on functional outcome after rehabilitation. AIM: To investigate the associations between comorbidity indexes and functional outcome after inpatient stroke or hip fracture rehabilitation. Furthermore, to identify which method of comorbidity assessment best reveals this relationship. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: An extensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, Web of Science, and CINAHL of cited references and gray literature was carried out on March 4, 2016. This meta-analysis was conducted in agreement with the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. Studies were included if participants were adult patients with a stroke or hip fracture, participants received inpatient rehabilitation, comorbidity was assessed with a valid index, and functional status was an outcome measure. Two reviewers independently extracted data; according to the predefined data extraction plan, included studies were independently evaluated on risk of bias. RESULTS: Twenty studies were eligible for review, and 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled correlation between comorbidity and functional status at discharge was -0.43 [-0.69; -0.06]. Presence and strength of correlations differed between comorbidity indexes. Charlson index: range = 0.0 to -0.88 and 0%-1% explained variance (%var). Cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS) total or cumulative: range = -0.02 to -0.34 and unknown %var. CIRS-severity index: range = -0.25 to -0.40 and 12-16 %var. Comorbidity-severity index: range = -0.39 and -0.47 and 5 %var. Liu index: range = -0.28 to -0.50 and 4-7 %var. When the index contained a severity weighting, the associations were more evident. CONCLUSIONS: An association between comorbidity burden and functional outcome exists, albeit modest. Assessment of severity weighted comorbidity is preferred for estimating the functional prognosis after stroke and hip fracture rehabilitation.

Discharge home after acute stroke: Differences between older and younger patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify determinants for discharge destination of older (≥ 70 years) and younger (< 70 years) acute stroke patients. DESIGN: Multicentre prospective cohort. PATIENTS: A total of 395 patients, within 7 days of clinically evaluated stroke, were included from 6 hospital stroke units. METHODS: The main outcome measure was discharge destination (home vs clinical rehabilitation). Independent variables were: demographic factors, stroke characteristics, functional impairments and disabilities, cognition, comorbidity, and premorbid social participation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis established the independent strength of the contribution of possible determinants to discharge destination. RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of younger patients were discharged home, compared with 63% of older patients. Most of the younger patients discharged to clinical rehabilitation (71%) had a spouse, whereas only 40% of the older age group discharged to clinical rehabilitation had a spouse. Multivariate analysis showed that, besides National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Barthel Index scores, having a spouse was an important determinant for discharge home in the older age group (adjusted odds ratio 4.77, 95% confidence interval 2.01-11.31), but not in the younger age group. CONCLUSION: The presence of a spouse is an additional important factor determining discharge home in older stroke patients. It is important to monitor and support informal caregivers in order to provide appropriate care for older community-dwelling stroke patients.

Reliability and validity of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International after hip fracture in patients aged ≥ 65 years.

PURPOSE: To assess the measurement properties of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) in patients after a hip fracture aged ≥ 65 years. METHODS: In a sample of 100 patients, we examined the structural validity, internal consistency and construct validity. For the structural validity a confirmatory factor analysis was carried out. For construct validity predetermined hypotheses were tested. In a second sample of 21 older patients the inter-rater reliability was evaluated. RESULTS: The factor analysis yielded strong evidence that the FES-I is uni-dimensional in patients with a hip fracture; the Cronbach's alpha was 0.94. When testing the reliability, the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.72, while the Standard Error of Measurement was 6.4 and the Smallest Detectable Change was 17.7 (on a scale from 16 to 64). The Spearman correlation of the FES-I with the one-item fear of falling instrument was high (r = 0.68). The correlation was moderate with instruments measuring functional performance constructs and low with instruments measuring psychological constructs. CONCLUSIONS: Reliability and structural validity of the FES-I in patients after a hip fracture are good. The construct validity appears more closely related to functional performance constructs than to psychological constructs, suggesting that the concept measured by the FES-I may not capture all aspects of fear of falling. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), which is commonly used to measure fear of falling in community-dwelling older persons, can also be used to assess fear of falling in patients after a hip fracture. The reliability and the structural validity of the FES-I for these hip patients are good, whereas the construct validity of the FES-I is not optimal. The FES-I may not capture all aspects of fear of falling and may be more closely related to functional performance than to psychological concepts such as anxiety.

Dutch evidence-based guidelines for amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremity: Amputation surgery and postoperative management. Part 1.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons still use a range of criteria to determine whether amputation is indicated. In addition, there is considerable debate regarding immediate postoperative management, especially concerning the use of 'immediate/delayed fitting' versus conservative elastic bandaging. OBJECTIVES: To produce an evidence-based guideline for the amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremities. This guideline provides recommendations in support of daily practice and is based on the results of scientific research and further discussions focussed on establishing good medical practice. Part 1 focuses on amputation surgery and postoperative management. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature design. METHODS: Literature search in five databases. Quality assessment on the basis of evidence-based guideline development. RESULTS: An evidence-based multidisciplinary guideline on amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremity. CONCLUSION: The best care (in general) for patients undergoing amputation of a lower extremity is presented and discussed. This part of the guideline provides recommendations for diagnosis, referral, assessment, and undergoing amputation of a lower extremity and can be used to provide patient information. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This guideline provides recommendations in support of daily practice and is based on the results of scientific research and further discussions focussed on establishing good medical practice.

Dutch evidence-based guidelines for amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremity: Rehabilitation process and prosthetics. Part 2.

BACKGROUND: A structured, multidisciplinary approach in the rehabilitation process after amputation is needed that includes a greater focus on the involvement of both (para)medics and prosthetists. There is considerable variation in prosthetic prescription concerning the moment of initial prosthesis fitting and the use of replacement parts. OBJECTIVES: To produce an evidence-based guideline for the amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremities. This guideline provides recommendations in support of daily practice and is based on the results of scientific research and further discussions focussed on establishing good medical practice. Part 2 focuses on rehabilitation process and prosthetics. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature design. METHODS: Literature search in five databases and quality assessment on the basis of evidence-based guideline development. RESULTS: An evidence-based multidisciplinary guideline on amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremity. CONCLUSION: The best care (in general) for patients undergoing amputation of a lower extremity is presented and discussed. This part of the guideline provides recommendations for treatment and reintegration of patients undergoing amputation of a lower extremity and can be used to provide patient information. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This guideline provides recommendations in support of daily practice and is based on the results of scientific research and further discussions focussed on establishing good medical practice.

Pain in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically investigate the prevalence of pain, factors related with pain and pain management interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychINFO from 1966 to December 2013. Studies were included if they presented clinical data on pain or symptom burden in patients with COPD, or pain as a domain of quality of life (QoL). All types of study designs were included. RESULTS: Of the 1571 articles that were identified, 39 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Fourteen studies focused on pain and symptom burden (including pain) in patients with COPD and 25 studies focused on QoL using a questionnaire that included a separate pain domain. Reported pain prevalence in high-quality studies ranged from 32 to 60%. Included studies report that pain is more prevalent in patients with COPD compared to participants from the general population. Comorbidity, nutritional status, QoL and several symptoms were related to pain. None of the included studies reported a significant relationship between lung function and pain prevalence or severity. However, studies investigating pain in patients with moderate COPD reported higher pain prevalence compared to studies in patients with severe of very severe COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Although literature on this topic is limited and shows substantial heterogeneity, pain seems to be a significant problem in patients with COPD and is related to several other symptoms, comorbidity and QoL. Data synthesis suggests that pain is more prevalent in patients with moderate COPD compared to patients with severe or very severe COPD. Further research is needed and should focus on determining a more accurate pain prevalence, investigating the relationship between pain prevalence, disease severity and comorbidity and explore implementation and efficacy of pain management interventions in patients with COPD.