The latest National Hip Fracture Database report finds that care for patients with hip fracture is improving. More patients are receiving surgery within 48 hours of admission than in 2012 and almost all patients (94%) are receiving a falls assessment before being discharged from hospital.
The report, commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, showed that:
• 86% of patients receive surgery within 48 hours.
• 3.5% of patients are reported to have developed pressure ulcers.
• 49% of patients are being assessed by an orthogeriatrician.
• 94% receive a falls assessment prior to discharge.
However, the number of patients being admitted to an orthopaedic ward within four hours is down slightly from 52% in 2012 to 50% in 2013. There also remains considerable variation in the care being offered in different hospitals. The report examines the potential implications by comparing mortality figures in different hospitals. A number of hospitals with poorer figures are identified and will be offered support in addressing persistent problems. There is also considerable variation in the length of time that patients spend in hospital recovering from hip fracture. The report highlights that hospitals in England are achieving reduced length of stay with an average of 22 days for hip fracture patients, compared with hospitals in Wales (35 days) and Northern Ireland (33 days).
