04.09.12
National hip fracture audit shows increase in best practice
The 2012 National Hip Fracture Database report has been published, demonstrating an increase in hospitals achieving the Best Practice Tariff.
The number of hospitals achieving Best Practice Tariff has increased quarter on quarter and has risen from 71% at the end of 2010/11 to 87% in the final quarter of 2011/12.
Other results showed 52% of cases were admitted to an orthopaedic ward within four hours, down from 56% in 2011. The percentage of patients who received surgery within 48hours also dropped from 87% in 2011 to 83% in 2012.
The number of patients who developed pressure ulcers remained at 3.7%, but 43% were assessed preoperatively by an orthogeriatrician, up from 37%. Patients discharged on bone protection medication increased from 66% to 69% and 92% received a falls assessment prior to discharge, up from 81% in 2011.
The database has secured funding for a further three years, and will continue to work within the new Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Project (FFFAP).
Dr Kevin Stewart, clinical director of the RCP’s Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, said: “The National Hip Fracture Database has made a real difference to the care of a vulnerable group of patients and is an excellent example of what national clinical audit can achieve.
“These results would not have been achieved without steadfast clinical leadership by the British Orthopaedic Association and the British Geriatrics Society, the dedication and professionalism of the core leadership team and the hard work of hundreds of clinicians up and down the country.”
The report is at: www.nhfd.co.uk/003/hipfractureR.nsf/0/da44e3a946a14e4180257a6f001eb4db/$FILE/NHFD%20National%20Report%202012.pdf
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