2003 Volume 26 Issue 5 Pages 5_73-5_86
This study aimed to clarify, among elderly post hip fracture surgery patients, the psychological process for "SEIKATSU-NO-ORIAI", meaning coming to terms with their new lives and achieving harmony in their new lives, from the discharge before one week to one month later. The subjects were four elderly patients (65-82 years old). Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis technique. The following findings were obtained: 1) The psychological process for "SEIKATSU-NO-ORIAI" consisted of two phases; the first phase was patients' attempt to search "SEIKATSU-NO-ORIAI", in the second phase, patients made efforts to "SEIKATSU-NO-ORIAI", while their self-esteem decreased and depression increased; 2) "Life adjustments associated with disorder" and "fluctuation of confidence concerning their health that affects self-esteem" were experienced in these patients, these two factors are similar to previously published literature; 3) When caring for elderly post hip fracture surgery patients, in the transitional phase of psychological process for "SEIKATSU-NO-ORIAI", it is important to provide supports to promote positive changes in their behaviors, including behavioral supports to increase self-efficacy and reduce depression.
