Lost in the Shuffle: Low Health Literacy in Geriatric Fracture Patients and Families Regarding Post-Acute Care—A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate health literacy (HL) in geriatric orthopaedic trauma patients and their families as it relates to their post-acute care (PAC) in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs). Methods: This nonrandomized controlled clinical trial included patients aged 65 years and older treated for acute fracture at a Level 1 trauma center and discharged to either IRF or SNF. First 106 patients enrolled served as the control group and received standard discharge instructions. The second 101 patients were given a set of oral and written instructions regarding PAC detailing important questions to ask upon arrival to their facility. Results: The mean HL score for all patients/families was 2.4 out of 5. No significant difference was noted in HL scores (2.4 versus 2.3) or median LOS (22 versus 28 days) between the control and intervention groups. Family involvement (68%) slightly improved HL scores (2.6 versus 1.9, P < 0.001). Patients discharged to IRF had better HL scores (3.4 versus 2.3, P < 0.001), shorter LOS (median 15 vs 30 days, P < 0.001), and trended toward improved knowledge of discharge goals (48.1% versus 35.6%) than those in SNF. Conclusion: System-wide solutions are necessary to improve geriatric HL and optimize outcomes in orthopaedic trauma.