Fractured neck of the femur (DRG 210/211): prospective outcome study.
BACKGROUND
An ageing population will increase the need for resources to treat patients with a fractured neck of femur (DRG 210/211). Provision of these resources will be helped by a better understanding of current practices.


METHODS
A prospective study of outcome at discharge for 100 consecutive patients with DRG 210/211 was conducted at five Victorian metropolitan teaching hospitals to assess length of stay and the reasons for any variations.


RESULTS
The major influences on timing of discharge were: delayed availability of rehabilitation beds; the timing of referral and assessment by the Geriatric Assessment Team; delay in surgery more than 24 h after admission; and development of postoperative complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficient management of patients with DRG 210/211 requires a strong protocol of treatment and referral strategies with adequate resources.
Turner
P
P
Victorian State Committee, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Australia.
Cocks
J
J
Cade
R
R
Ewing
H
H
Collopy
B
B
Thompson
G
G
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation