title: Dedicated hip fracture service: implementing a novel model of care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hip fracture is a common clinical problem with historically high morbidity and mortality, and various model of acute and subacute care have been employed. We describe 12-month results from the first dedicated hip fracture unit in Australia, and compare it with other models of care both locally and internationally.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was performed as a prospective uncontrolled study over a 12-month period. After application of exclusion criteria, a total of 346 patients were yielded. Outcomes measured included performance indicators as well as morbidity and mortality data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improvements in performance indicators (adequate preoperative medical assessment, time to surgery, return to premorbid residence, etc.) and morbidity and mortality data (such as pressure sores, infections and in-hospital death) are noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early results suggest more comprehensive preoperative assessment, shorter times to theatre, reduced post-operative complications and diminished mortality rates when the principles undermining this unit are instituted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. brahman.sivakumar@gmail.com
authors.forename: Brahman Shankar
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Sivakumar
authors.forename: Luke Michael
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: McDermott
authors.forename: Jack Joseph
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Chrys Ranjeev
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Pulle
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jayamaha
authors.forename: Michael Carl
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Ottley
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D019091:Critical Pathways / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016896:Treatment Outcome