Family Partnerships, Patient and Carer Education and Support

Abstract The involvement of the family, friends, and other people who are important to the patient has always been at the centre of any person-centred care process. Following a fragility fracture, many patients want their family and significant others to be involved in their care, both during hospitalisation and after discharge, and it is often expected that families will provide or lead ongoing care after discharge. It is well documented that postoperative functional decline is influenced by a great complexity of factors and that care aimed at preserving patients’ maximum autonomy, improving their perception of their health status, maintaining their social support network, and ensuring healthy living conditions is essential. The introduction of orthogeriatric units has made it possible to reduce the average length of stay and mortality, improve diagnostic accuracy, and reduce the cost of caring for these patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises that the patient’s home is the natural environment in which they can develop their maximum functional and health potential. There is also considerable evidence that educational interventions can effectively contribute to functional recovery and improved patient compliance. Education has also been identified as a key element in the effectiveness of fracture coordination units. Health education aimed at preparing patients and their carers for a safe transition home can help during the first days after discharge from hospital and contribute to a reduction in rehospitalisation and an improvement in functional recovery and quality of life. This chapter will explore the importance of patient and family partnership in healthcare following fragility fracture and the importance of educational support from health professionals to ensure better functional recovery, quality of life and reduction of care-related burden.