The experiences of pre- and in-hospital care in patients with hip fractures: A study based on Critical incidents.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures are described to have a significant impact on patients' well-being and different fast-track concepts could result in a reduction of the patient's psychological and emotional reactions before pre- and intrahospital care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to elucidate perceived situations of significance experienced by patients with hip fracture during the prehospital- and in-hospital care.

DESIGN: The study used a qualitative approach using a critical incident technique (CIT), 14 patients with hip fractures were included.

METHODS: All informants had undergone surgery for a hip fracture, were able to communicate in Swedish and had no cognitive impairment.

RESULTS: The main area Oscillating between being satisfied and to endure a new demanding situation emerged from five categories: Pain and pain management, Feeling fear and satisfaction in perioperative care, Experiencing continuity in care, Considering information and Felling confirmed.

CONCLUSION: Experiences of prehospital care shows a positive impact though the patients experienced this part of the pathway professionally. However, the patients described critical incidents according to their experiences of pain seems to have significant damagingly impact on the patients' well-being. The patient also describe a sense of uncertainty in their individual involvement of care.