This Study Aims to Measure the Effect of Acute Hospitalisation on the Physical and Cognitive Functioning of Older Orthopaedic Patients (Aged 65 or Above).

Hospital-associated Deconditioning: Exploring Factors Contributing to the Physical and Cognitive Decline of Older Adults During Hospitalisation

This study aims to investigate the impact of hospitalisation on physical and cognitive performance in patients aged 65 and older admitted with an orthopaedic injury. This will be achieved by asking patients to participate in a series of physical and cognitive performance questionnaires and tests. These questionnaires and tests will be performed by the patients as close to their admission as possible and then again at day 7 of hospitalisation (or discharge if earlier) and at 4-6 weeks after discharge. However, if a patient's hospital stay lasts more than 30 days, they will be asked to take part in the interim data collection timepoint.

To summarize, patients will be assessed at least 3 times, 4 if your hospital stay is longer than 30 days. The first and second assessments will be in the hospital, and the third will be 4-6 weeks after discharge at you home (or where is appropriate). Additionally, patients will be asked to wear an activity watch between the first and second assessment.

The study will also explore patients experiences of their hospital stay and opinions on deconditioning, including the views and opinions of hospital staff. This information will be gathered by having interviews with a sample of the patients who took part in the questionnaires and tests and by having interviews with hospital staff. The interview will be conducted by the main researcher, Thomas Cartledge, and will take place either over the phone, online or in-person, depending on your preference. The interviews will be audio and/or video recorded, however the recordings will be deleted immediately once transcription is completed. The duration of the interview will last approximately 30-60 mins.

Patient criteria:

Inclusion:

• Older adults aged 65 years or older
• Able to provide written consent
• Admitted to Southampton General Hospital (SGH) for an acute orthopaedic condition
• Been admitted to SGH <72 hours before recruitment

Exclusion:

• Older adults who are not able to safely complete the quantitative measurement tools, as advised by the patient's clinician
• Patients receiving end of life care
• Require a hoist to transfer from bed to chair prior to hospitalisation
• Been admitted to SGH >72 hours before recruitment
• Unable to consent

Hospital staff criteria:

Inclusion:

• Work at SGH
• Work with older orthopaedic inpatients
• Be able to provide written consent