Regressar a casa após fratura: um estudo qualitativo com triangulação de fontes

Paula Rocha; Maria Adriana Henriques; Andreia Costa; Susana Batista; Carlos Albuquerque; Cristina Baixinho

doi:10.33194/rper.2026.46471

Authors

Paula Rocha Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7766-7239
Maria Adriana Henriques Escola Superior de Enfermagem da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0288-6653
Andreia Costa Escola Superior de Enfermagem da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2727-4402
Susana Batista Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0256-6027
Carlos Albuquerque Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2297-0636
Cristina Baixinho Escola Superior de Enfermagem da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7417-1732

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33194/rper.2026.46471

Keywords:

older adult, hip fracture, transition

Abstract

Introduction: In older adults, fractures, often associated with falls, constitute a serious problem due to the functional decline they cause and the consequent difficulty in returning to the previous functional state. This event significantly impacts the life of the older adult, their family, and also health services. The objective of this study was to characterize the perception of older adults, their families, and nurses regarding the transition process to home after a hip fracture.

Methodology: This is a qualitative study, framed within the interpretative paradigm. Participants were older adults with hip fractures who underwent surgery, their caregivers, and nurses working in the hospital and primary care of a local health unit in central Portugal. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, which were recorded and transcribed. Data analysis and source triangulation were performed using Meetpulp® software.

Results: The participants were 15 older adults, 15 caregivers, and 10 nurses. Data triangulation allowed for the identification of categories: timely discharge preparation, capacity building for returning home (information, instruction, supervision, and support), continuity of information, continuity of the rehabilitation program, and communication. Participants perceived the problem as influenced by personal dimensions (older adults, families, and nurses), and organizational and political dimensions (nurses).

Conclusion: This study highlights the difficulties, needs, and opportunities for the transition of individuals with fractures on returning home, providing information on the direct care of these individuals, the integration of care, and support in the first days after returning home. The analysis of these aspects can serve as a basis for the reorganization of health services, seeking the best response to these needs, ensuring a safe transition and preventing the loss of functional capacity in these individuals.

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Author Biography

Paula Rocha, Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal

Paula Rocha completed her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 1995, at the Nursing School of Guarda. In 2001, she concluded her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Viseu. In 2007, she concluded the Postgraduate Specialization in Rehabilitation Nursing at the Nursing School of Viseu. In 2011 she completed a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Nursing in the Viseu Nursing School. In 2012, she completed a Master's Degree in Health Care Unit Management at the University of Beira Interior. In 2013, she completed a Postgraduate Course in Non-Invasive Ventilation at Escola Superior de Enfermagem Dr. Lopes Dias. In 2018 concluded the Postgraduate Course in Occupational Nursing at the School of Health of Viseu. In 2022 she completed the Brief Course of Educational and Clinical Supervision in Nursing at the School of Health of Viseu. Since 2020 she attends the PhD Course in Nursing at the University of Lisbon/School of Nursing of Lisbon. She is a student of the Three-year programme of the EANS Summer School for Doctoral Studies. She was a nurse at the Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos in Lisbon from 1995 to 1997. Since this date she works at the Hospital Sousa Martins of the ULS of Guarda, working as a Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist in the Pneumology Service and currently in the Orthopedics Service since 2009. She was a guest lecturer at the School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda and at the School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu. She is a member of the Research and Development Commission of the Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB). She is an integrated researcher at the Center for Research, Innovation and Development in Nursing of Lisbon (CIDNUR). She is co-responsible for the implementation of Nursing Information Systems in the Local Health Unit of Guarda. She is Co-Responsible for the development and implementation of Pioneer Projects (Rehabilitate+; Habilitate; Global Care; TOMBO Program - Multidisciplinary Occupational Therapy of Benefit in Osteoporosis). He has 11 published articles in the area of Rehabilitation. He made 49 oral communications in scientific events and presented 49 posters in scientific events. He was part of the organizing committee of 5 events. She has received 16 awards/honorable mentions, among which the Award of Excellence (1500 euros) from the Order of Nurses in 2012 stands out. It also had a formal recognition from APDH, in 2018, with the attribution of the Certificate of Good Practices. She is a member of the Expert Stock Exchange of the Ordem dos Enfermeiros (Portuguese Nurses Association). Since April 12, 2023, she has been an Adjunct Professor at Escola Superior de Saúde de Viseu of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESSV - IPV).

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