Development of Fear of Falling after proximal femoral fracture

Pflege, vol. 38, pp. 308–316

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Proximal femoral fracture is common in older people. Beyond a long recovery process and significant permanent functional limitations, older people often experience subsequent Fear of Falling. The phenomenon of Fear of Falling is not fully understood; qualitative research is underrepresented but can provide insights into the experience of those affected. Objectives: We aimed to explore the experiences of Fear of Falling development and to what extent it affects peoples’ life after proximal femoral fracture. Methods: We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with nine older people, aged between 61 and 88, who participated in a prospective observational study. Interview data were analysed through inductive content analysis. Results: Six major themes emerged: The development of Fear of Falling; the effect of FoF and hope for recovery; alternating between moments of fear and security; fear of helplessness and of losing independence; strategies for dealing with Fear of Falling and maintaining independence; need of support by health care professionals. Conclusion: To identify and support older people in coping with Fear of Falling (after proximal femoral fracture), strategies for dealing with Fear of Falling across occupational groups and all healthcare settings should be implemented. Nurses have a key role in this process.

Authors 4

1. Marion Baltes Aachen

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Health and Nursing Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany

   Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany

2. Astrid Stephan Aachen

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Health and Nursing Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany

   Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany

3. Silke Andrich

   Düsseldorf University Hospital · Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany

4. Gabriele Meyer

   Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Health and Nursing Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany