Key Service Improvements After the Introduction of an Integrated Orthogeriatric Service. (10th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murphy, R. P.; Reddin, C.; Murphy, E. P.; Waters, R.; Murphy, C. G.; Canavan, M.
• Is Part Of: Geriatric orthopaedic surgery & rehabilitation. Volume 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12-10
• Subjects: orthogeriatric care -- integrated care -- rehabilitation -- trauma surgery -- systems of care -- fragility fractures -- hip fractures; Older people -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.97
• DOI: 10.1177/2151459319893898
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2151-4585

Abstract

Introduction: Models of orthogeriatric care have been shown to improve functional outcomes for patients after hip fractures and can improve compliance with best practice guidelines for hip fracture care. Methods: We evaluated improvements to key performance indicators in hip fracture care after implementation of a formal orthogeriatric service. Compliance with Irish Hip Fracture standards of care was reviewed, and additional outcomes such as length of stay, access to rehabilitation, and discharge destination were evaluated. Results: Improvements were observed in all of the hip fracture standards of care. Mean length of stay decreased from 19 to 15.5 days (mean difference 3.5 days; P < .05). A higher proportion of patients were admitted to rehabilitation (16.7% vs 7.9%, P < .05), and this happened in a timelier fashion (17.8 vs 24.8 days, P < .05). We found that less patients required convalescence post-hip fracture. Discussion: A standardized approach to integrated post-hip fracture care with orthogeriatrics has improved standards of care for patients. Conclusion: Introduction of orthogeriatric services has resulted in meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes for older people with hip fractures.