title: Fractured neck of the femur (DRG 210/211): prospective outcome study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Victorian State Committee, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Australia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cocks
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cade
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ewing
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Collopy
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: 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