Impact of evidence-based nursing intervention based on Watson’s theory on rehabilitation compliance in elderly patients after intertrochanteric femur fracture surgery

Objective The study aimed to unveil the impact of evidence-based nursing (EBN) based on Watson’s theory on rehabilitation compliance in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial design was adopted. Eighty elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures were randomly divided into a control group (received routine intervention), and an observation group (received EBN intervention based on Watson’s theory), with 40 cases in each group. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 3 days, 7 days, and 1 month post-surgery. Postoperative outcomes, including weight-bearing walking time, fracture healing time, and hospital stay, were compared. Quality of life was evaluated using the WHOQOL-BREF. Rehabilitation adherence was assessed based on training content, duration, intensity, initiative, and completion. Patient satisfaction with care was measured using a custom satisfaction survey. Harris Hip Score (HHS) was adopted to assess joint function recovery. Complications were recorded for both groups. Results The observation group had significantly lower VAS scores ( P < 0.01), shorter weight-bearing walking time, fracture healing time, and hospital stay ( P < 0.01). The observation group showed higher WHOQOL-BREF scores, better rehabilitation adherence, higher satisfaction, and higher HHS ( P < 0.01). Besides, the observation group had fewer complications ( P < 0.01). Conclusion EBN based on Watson’s theory in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures can reduce postoperative pain and complications, improve hip joint function, enhance quality of life, and result in better postoperative recovery, with overall significant effectiveness.