Early discharge after hip arthroplasty with home support: experience at a UK District General Hospital.
One hundred and thirty-eight consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroplasty and accelerated discharge at our institution over 6 months were reviewed. Our protocol included transfer to a dedicated home support team. No minimal incision techniques or special anaesthetic/analgesic techniques were used. 66% of patients having primary joint replacements went home by the third post operative day and 91% by the fourth day. Re-admission rates were under 1% whilst under the care of the home support team. Patient satisfaction was high. 94% said they would use the service again. This protocol has saved over 1500 bed days per year whilst maintaining standards of care.
Thomas
G
G
Orthopaedic Department, Warwick Hospital, Warwick, UK. gethin2@hotmail.com
Faisal
M
M
Young
S
S
Asson
R
R
Ritson
M
M
Bawale
R
R
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017046:Cost Savings; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data