Patient Satisfaction Using a Home-Based Rehabilitation Protocol for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

Supervised, center-based, daily physiotherapy presents limitations: transport, need for an accompanying person, or risk of infection. Home-based rehabilitation protocols (HBRP) can be effective alternatives. We use a HBRP for the non-surgically treated proximal humeral fractures (PHF) in older patients. Objectives To assess patient satisfaction and preferences of using a booklet, videos, or an app to guide physiotherapy. Patients and methods Prospective, single-center observational study of patients ≥55 years old who sustained a non-surgically treated PHF. The HBRP consisted of immediate mobilization, followed by 5 physiotherapist-guided, weekly sessions of rehabilitation and standard physiotherapy after 3 months, if needed. A booklet with images, videos, or a smartphone application were offered to guide the patients. Results Mean degree of satisfaction (1-5) was 4.66 ± .9: 84 patients (82.4%) were very satisfied, 11 patients (10.8%) were satisfied, and 5 patients (4.9%) were not satisfied at all. Mean Oxford Shoulder Score achieved was 40.5 ± 6.6. 59.8% patients preferred the booklet and 29.4% the videos. Exercise compliance was considered very high in 87.3% of patients, while 4% hardly never followed the HBRP. Only 17.7% patients needed center-based physiotherapy after the HBRP. Discussion Reasons for satisfaction were good final functional outcome, no need for transportation, being away from hospital, immediate rehabilitation availability and being capable of maintaining independence. Adherence is a major concern. Videos are more didactic explaining the exercises. Conclusion If standard physiotherapy is not available, the HBRP can be a valid treatment option for PHF management in older patients, with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Older patients preferred the booklet to guide physiotherapy.