Developing a consensus-based motivational care pathway for individuals with lower limb fractures: a Delphi protocol.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Older adults with lower limb fractures experience significant fear of mobility loss and reduced independence.
• Active engagement in rehabilitation is crucial for successful recovery and maintaining autonomy.
• Current rehabilitation strategies may lack sufficient motivational components for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tailored care pathway designed to motivate older adults with lower limb fractures to adhere to their rehabilitation programs.
• To identify and establish consensus on effective motivational strategies for rehabilitation in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study design utilizing the Delphi method for data gathering.
• Purposive sampling to recruit a panel of healthcare professionals and experts in lower limb fracture rehabilitation.
• Iterative rounds of data collection via the Qualtrics platform, aiming for a 75% consensus target.

Main Results:

• Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics (count, mean, standard deviation, median, etc.).
• Qualitative data will undergo inductive thematic analysis to identify key motivational themes and patterns.
• Consensus will be reached on specific motivational strategies for enhancing patient adherence.

Conclusions:

• The study is expected to yield a specialized care pathway to enhance motivation and adherence in lower limb fracture rehabilitation.
• Implementation of these evidence-based motivational standards will promote uniform, high-quality patient care.
• Improved adherence is anticipated to positively impact patient mobility, independence, and overall recovery outcomes.