Occupational adaptation model vs. biomechanical/rehabilitation models in the treatment of patients with hip fractures

This study compared the effectiveness of the occupational adaptation model versus the biomechanical/rehabilitation models. The biomechanical/rehabilitation models have been used in rehabilitation settings for many years. Are these models the most effective in terms of patient satisfaction and level of functioning? This question led to this study. The occupational adaptation model is relatively new to the profession. This model encourages more patient involvement in measuring performance and treatment decisions. The researcher predicted that the occupational adaptation model would be more effective in patient satisfaction and level of functioning.

The study design chosen was a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group. Measures used included the Functional Independence Measure or FIM (State University of New York at Buffalo, 1993) and a satisfaction questionnaire developed by the researcher.

The study results strongly suggest that the subjects were more satisfied in the occupational adaptation group. Three of the eight questions on the questionnaire and the total mean scores were statistically significant. The FIM scores at discharge were higher in the subjects treated with the biomechanical/rehabilitation models; however, there was a statistical significance in the length of stay and FIM change per day for subjects treated with the occupational adaptation model.