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Background: The prevalence of fractures in older people is increasing rapidly. Different types of programmes are available for rehabilitation after these fractures. However, the effectiveness of these programmes is uncertain. Objectives: These were to identify, critically appraise and synthesise the published evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of programmes of care following the acute management of fractures in older people. The principal focus is on rehabilitative care after proximal femoral fracture. Methods: Data sources: Electronic searching of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. Search of bibliographies of all electronically identified studies. Search of databases of group members. Personal communication with experts in the field. Study selection: The inclusion criteria for the review were any systematic review or randomised, quasi-randomised or controlled cohort study reporting the outcome of a programme designed to improve function or reduce hospital stay in older people who have sustained a fragility/fall associated fracture in the lower limbs, pelvis, upper limbs or spine. Economic evaluations of studies meeting the inclusion criteria were also eligible. Published audit data from the UK in the last 5 years were examined to provide an indication of current treatment and outcome. Data extraction: Included studies were each sent to two reviewers for methodological appraisal and data extraction. Where reviewers differed on any item, each was asked to reconsider their decision. The two principal reviewers working together compiled the quality scores and data derived from each individual study. A nine-item …