Dedicated Orthogeriatric Service Saves the HSE a Million Euro.
Hip fracture is common in older adults and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and significant health care costs. A pilot orthogeriatrics service was established in an acute hospital. We aimed to establish the cost effectiveness of this service. Length of hospital stay, discharge destination and rehabilitation requirements were analysed for a one year period and compared to patients who received usual care prior to the service. We calculated the costs incurred and savings produced by the orthogeriatric service. Median length of stay was reduced by 3 days (p < 0.001) saving €266,976. There was a 19% reduction in rehabilitation requirements saving €192,600. Median rehabilitation length of stay was reduced by 6.5 days saving €171,093. Reductions in long term care requirements led to savings of €10,934 per week. Costs to establish such a service amount to €171,564. The introduction of this service led to improved patient outcomes in a cost effective manner.
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Shanahan
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Henderson
Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Butler
Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Lenehan
Department of Clinical Age Assessment, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Sheehy
Department of Clinical Age Assessment, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Costelloe
Department of Clinical Age Assessment, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Carew
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Peters
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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O'Connor
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Lyons
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick.
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Ryan