Pain and nutrition as experienced by patients with hip fracture

The purpose of this study was to investigate patients' experiences of care in connection with hip fracture. The care process was examined through non-participant observation, informal field interviews and healthcare records. The findings showed that many factors in the healthcare services directly o r indirectly influence patients' perceptions of the quality of care. Some o f these factors may depend upon a varying knowledge and empathy, while othe rs are due to a lack of agreed protocols/procedures. Patients' needs with r espect to pain relief and nutrition are discussed.