Caregivers' eCourse for Hip Fracture Recovery

Overseen By Maureen C Ashe, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Age less than 19

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

230 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

In this two part study, we will seek 1. general feedback on the feasibility of an online education and skill development program for family/caregivers of older adults recovering from a surgically repaired low-trauma hip fracture. We will also 2. test its feasibility and acceptability with family caregivers.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Caregivers eCourse for Recovery After Hip Fracture?

Research shows that caregivers play a crucial role in the recovery of older adults after a hip fracture, and educational resources like workshops and online programs can help them better manage caregiving demands. Studies indicate that caregivers often have unrealistic expectations about recovery, and providing them with structured education and support can improve their knowledge and satisfaction, potentially leading to better outcomes for the patients. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the Caregivers' eCourse for Hip Fracture Recovery treatment differ from other treatments for hip fracture recovery?

The Caregivers' eCourse for Hip Fracture Recovery is unique because it focuses on educating caregivers through an online platform, providing them with learning modules, discussion boards, and expert advice to support the recovery of older adults with hip fractures. This approach empowers caregivers with knowledge and resources, which is different from traditional treatments that primarily focus on the patient's direct medical care. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for family members or caregivers of older adults who are recovering from a hip fracture that required surgery. The caregivers must be adults, meaning they should be at least 19 years old.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a caregiver for an older adult who has had a hip fracture.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 19 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

eCourse Feedback

Participants provide feedback on the content, layout, and delivery of the eCourse

1 day

Online participation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feedback and satisfaction with the eCourse

1-2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Caregivers eCourse

Trial Overview The study is testing an online education and skill development program (eCourse) designed to help caregivers in managing the recovery process after their loved one's hip fracture surgery. Health providers will first review the eCourse before it's tested with caregivers.

Participant Groups

Group I: Caregivers eCourse Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Education post-hip fracture delivered via eCourse.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Findings from Research

A workshop designed for caregivers of older adults with hip fractures was found to be highly useful and satisfactory, with a median satisfaction score of 10 out of 10 from 103 participants.

The study highlighted caregivers' main concerns about providing physical care and time constraints, indicating that targeted educational programs can help alleviate these worries and improve care quality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and Evaluation of a Post-Hip Fracture Instructional Workshop for Caregivers. Ariza-Vega, P., Ortiz-Piña, M., Mora-Traverso, M., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 57 family caregivers of elderly women recovering from hip fractures, caregivers reported ongoing challenges and unrealistic expectations about the recovery process, with many feeling that mobility and pain levels were worse than anticipated by 14 weeks post-discharge.

The location of the patient post-discharge significantly influenced the types of caregiving activities required, highlighting the importance of family support in rehabilitation, especially as non-spouse caregivers reported more difficulties.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family caregiving in cases of hip fracture. Williams, MA., Oberst, MT., Bjorklund, BC., et al.[2022]

The FReSH Start manual, designed to aid older adults recovering from hip fractures, received high ratings for its structure, content, and illustrations, with a median usefulness score of 9 out of 10 from 31 participants.

Participants emphasized the importance of having healthcare team members deliver and explain the manual, highlighting the need for support during the transition from hospital to home.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring older adults' perceptions of a patient-centered education manual for hip fracture recovery: "everything in one place". Tsui, K., Fleig, L., Langford, DP., et al.[2020]

Elders with hip fractures whose caregivers needed information about caregiving were nearly twice as likely to recover their walking ability compared to those whose caregivers did not have this need, indicating that caregiver education is crucial for recovery.

Conversely, if caregivers expressed a need for social services, the elders were significantly less likely to recover their walking ability and perform daily activities, suggesting that unmet social support needs can hinder recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family caregivers' needs predict functional recovery of older care recipients after hip fracture. Shyu, YI., Chen, MC., Wu, CC., et al.[2022]

The online hip fracture resource center, which included discussion boards and learning modules, provided a valuable platform for informal caregivers to share experiences and receive support during the recovery of older adults with hip fractures.

Qualitative analysis of discussion board postings revealed six key themes related to caregiver experiences, highlighting the potential of these forums to inform healthcare providers about caregiver needs and improve support strategies, although the study was limited by a small sample size from a single hospital.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of discussion boards in an online hip fracture resource center for caregivers. Nahm, ES., Resnick, B., Plummer, L., et al.[2021]

The @ctivehip telerehabilitation program for older adults with hip fractures did not significantly increase caregiver burden compared to traditional face-to-face rehabilitation, suggesting it is a safe option for both patients and their caregivers.

Caregivers of older adults using the telerehabilitation program reported lower levels of anxiety and depression, indicating potential psychological benefits for caregivers involved in this home-based approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is a telerehabilitation programme for older adults with hip fracture associated with burden of family caregivers who provide support? Fernández-González, M., Lozano-Lozano, M., Martín-Martín, L., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and Evaluation of a Post-Hip Fracture Instructional Workshop for Caregivers. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family caregiving in cases of hip fracture. [2022]

3. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring older adults' perceptions of a patient-centered education manual for hip fracture recovery: "everything in one place". [2020]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family caregivers' needs predict functional recovery of older care recipients after hip fracture. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of discussion boards in an online hip fracture resource center for caregivers. [2021]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is a telerehabilitation programme for older adults with hip fracture associated with burden of family caregivers who provide support? [2023]