Table 1.

Characteristics of the two wards from which the licensed practical nurses were selected

	Geriatric rehabilitation ward	Orthopedic ward
Ward layout	- Single and double rooms.	- Single, double and triple rooms.
	- 24-bed ward, extra beds when needed.	- 24-bed ward, extra beds when needed.
Patients	- 65 years or older, many with multiple diseases, the majority with osteoporotic fractures such as hip fractures. Admitted acutely or referred from another clinic.	- Mixed ages, patients with different diagnoses. Any type of fractures, including osteoporotic and high energy fractures, patients with tumors and arthritis. Admitted acutely or planned admissions.
Mean inpatient stay	- 24 days	- 6 days
Teamwork and individual care planning	- Reports at the start and end of shifts with nurses and licensed practical nurses.	- Reports at the start and end of shifts with nurses and licensed practical nurses.
	- Systematic assessment of the patient by all team members (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietician and geriatricians) as soon as possible after admittance.	- No team conferences or individual care planning on a routine basis.
	- Team conferences twice a week to monitor patient rehabilitation process and goals.	- Geriatric consults.
	- Orthopedic consults
Prevention and treatment of complications	- Actions to prevent falls and fractures implemented including global ratings and screening tools.	- No systematic routines to prevent falls.
	- Systematic prevention, detection and treatment of postoperative complications.	- No systematic check-ups for postoperative complications.