The value of an organized fracture program for the elderly: early results

Characterizing pre-discharge interventions to reduce length of stay for older adults: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Hospital pre-discharge interventions are becoming one of the leading strategies to promote early discharge. For older adult patients, it remains unclear what these interventions are and how they affect discharge outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review categorizes pre-discharge interventions promoting early acute care hospital discharging or total hospital length of stay reductions among older adults, synthesizes contextual factors (e.g., cost, staffing) driving implementation, and assesses the perceived intervention's impact.

DESIGN

The review followed the five states of the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the PRISMA-ScR extension. The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched from 1983 to 2020 for pre-discharge interventions designed or adapted to discharge older adults earlier in their stay from acute care hospitals. Potentially relevant articles were screened against eligibility criteria. Findings were extracted and collated in data charting forms followed by brief thematic analyses.

RESULTS

The search yielded 5,455 articles of which 91 articles were included. Eight pre-discharge intervention categories were identified: clinical management, diagnostic/risk assessment tools, staffing enhancements, drug administration, length of stay protocols, nutrition planning, and communication improvements. Leading motivations for intervention implementation included the nationwide drive to reduce care costs and hospitals' need to increase hospital profitability, improve quality of care, or optimize resource utilization. Discharge outcomes reported included hospitalization costs, readmission rates, mortality rates, resource utilization rates and costs, and length of stay. Mixed results were found regarding the effectiveness of early discharge interventions on discharge outcomes based on expressed author sentiment.

CONCLUSIONS

The drive for pre-discharge interventions that reduce older adult hospital stays and associated costs continues to stem primarily from economic and governmental policies. Follow-up studies may be required to emphasize patient perspectives and care trajectories to avoid unintentional costly and health-deteriorating consequences.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Providing Guideline-Concordant Care After Hip Fracture Surgery

Importance

Institutions have adopted protocol-driven standardized hip fracture programs (SHFPs). However, concerns persist regarding bias in adherence to guideline-concordant care leading to disparities in implementing high-quality care for patients recovering from surgery for hip fracture.

Objective

To assess disparities in the implementation of guideline-concordant care for patients after hip fracture surgery in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Targeted Hip Fracture (THF) Database.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted using the ACS-NSQIP THF database from 2016 to 2021 for patients aged 65 years and older with hip fractures undergoing surgical fixation. Care outcomes of racial and ethnic minority patients (including American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or multiple races and Hispanic ethnicity) were compared with non-Hispanic White patients via risk difference, stratified by care institution SHFP status. Modified Poisson regression was used to measure interactions. Statistical analysis was performed from November 2022 to June 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes of interest encompassed weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) on postoperative day 1 (POD1), venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, bone-protective medication, and the presence of SHFP at the institution.

Results

Among 62 194 patients (mean [SD] age, 82.4 [7.3] years; 43 356 [69.7%] female) who met inclusion criteria and after multiple imputation, 11.2% (95% CI, 10.8%-11.5%) were racial and ethnic minority patients, 3.3% (95% CI, 3.1%-3.4%) were Hispanic patients, and 92.0% (95% CI, 91.7%-92.2%) were White. Receiving care at an institution with an SHFP was associated with improved likelihood of receiving guideline-concordant care for all patients to varying degrees across care outcomes. SHFP was associated with higher probability of being WBAT-POD1 (risk difference for racial and ethnic minority patients, 0.030 [95% CI, 0.004-0.056]; risk difference for non-Hispanic White patients, 0.037 [95% CI, 0.029-0.45]) and being prescribed VTE prophylaxis (risk difference for racial and ethnic minority patients, 0.066 [95% CI, 0.040-0.093]; risk difference for non-Hispanic White patients, 0.080 [95% CI, 0.071-0.089]), but SHFP was associated with the largest improvements in receipt of bone-protective medications (risk difference for racial and ethnic minority patients, 0.149 [95% CI, 0.121-0.178]; risk difference for non-Hispanic White patients, 0.181 [95% CI, 0.173-0.190]). While receiving care at an SHFP was associated with improved probability of receiving guideline-concordant care in both race and ethnicity groups, greater improvements were seen among non-Hispanic White patients compared with racial and ethnic minority patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

Older adults who received care at an institution with an SHFP were more likely to receive guideline-concordant care (bone-protective medication, WBAT-POD1, and VTE prophylaxis), regardless of race and ethnicity. However, the probability of receiving guideline-concordant care at an institution with an SHFP increased more for non-Hispanic White patients than racial and ethnic minority patients.

Disparities in the Epidemiology and Management of Fragility Hip Fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to synthesize the recently published scientific evidence on disparities in epidemiology and management of fragility hip fractures.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been a number of investigations focusing on the presence of disparities in the epidemiology and management of fragility hip fractures. Race-, sex-, geographic-, socioeconomic-, and comorbidity-based disparities have been the primary focus of these investigations. Comparatively fewer studies have focused on why these disparities may exist and interventions to reduce disparities. There are widespread and profound disparities in the epidemiology and management of fragility hip fractures. More studies are needed to understand why these disparities exist and how they can be addressed.

The Effect of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Blockade on Mortality in Patients With Hip Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether perioperative fascia iliaca compartment blockade (FICB) decreases mortality in patients with hip fracture.

METHODS

MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid platforms), Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews were screened for "fascia iliaca compartment block, hip fracture" articles in English, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, from January 1, 2005, to March 1, 2020. All relevant randomized controlled trials and cohort and case-control studies were included for analysis. Relevant article titles were identified, and their corresponding abstracts were independently reviewed by two authors for inclusion. The full-text articles were then obtained for all relevant identified abstracts and assessed for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Conflicts in quality assessment between the two independent reviewers were resolved by a consensus vote of all authors.

RESULTS

Study quality was assessed objectively using the Jadad and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This meta-analysis was done in accordance with the PRISMA (http://links.lww.com/JAAOS/A731) and QUORUM guidelines. Quantitative synthesis analysis was done using Cochrane Reviews Review Manager (version 5.3). All analyses were completed using random-effects models and comparing the individual effect sizes within each study.

DISCUSSION

Management of hip fracture pain with FICB does not markedly decrease short-term mortality. Our findings support the continued use of FICB for the management of hip fractures in geriatric patients and suggest the need for future prospective randomized controlled trials to further determine FICB's effect on short-term and long-term mortality and functional status.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level I.

Barriers and Resources to Optimize Bone Health in Orthopaedic Education: Own the Bone (OTB): Bone Health Education in Residency

Osteoporosis is a critical public health issue with substantial morbidity and healthcare costs. Resident education on osteoporosis is not standardized. Little is known about the barriers to osteoporosis treatment and the usefulness of educational programming from the perspective of orthopaedic residency program directors (PDs).

A Bibliometric Analysis of Fragility Fractures: Top 50

Background and Objectives: The population is aging and fragility fractures are a research topic of steadily growing importance. Therefore, a systematic bibliometric review was performed to identify the 50 most cited articles in the field of fragility fractures analyzing their qualities and characteristics. Materials and Methods: From the Core Collection database in the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge, the most influential original articles with reference to fragility fractures were identified in February 2021 using a multistep approach. Year of publication, total number of citations, average number of citations per year since year of publication, affiliation of first and senior author, geographic origin of study population, keywords, and level of evidence were of interest. Results: Articles were published in 26 different journals between 1997 and 2020. The number of total citations per article ranged from 12 to 129 citations. In the majority of publications, orthopedic surgeons and traumatologists (66%) accounted for the first authorship, articles mostly originated from Europe (58%) and the keyword mostly used was “hip fracture”. In total, 38% of the articles were therapeutic studies level III followed by prognostic studies level I. Only two therapeutic studies with level I could be identified. Conclusions: This bibliometric review shows the growing interest in fragility fractures and raises awareness that more high quality and interdisciplinary studies are needed.

Unnecessary Preoperative Cardiology Evaluation and Transthoracic Echocardiogram Delays Time to Surgery for Geriatric Hip Fractures

OBJECTIVE

Delays to surgery for patients with geriatric hip fracture are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) were created to standardize preoperative cardiology consultation and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This study's purpose is to determine if these practices are over used and delay time to surgery at a safety net hospital.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center and safety net hospital.

PATIENTS

Charts were reviewed for indications of preoperative cardiology consultation or TTE per AHA and ACC CPG in 412 patients admitted with geriatric hip fracture.

INTERVENTION

Criteria meeting the AHA/ACC guidelines for preoperative TTE and cardiac consultations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Time to surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Despite 17.7% of patients meeting criteria, 44.4% of patients received cardiology consultation. Of those patients, 33.8% met criteria for receiving preoperative TTE but 89.4% received one. Time to surgery was greater for patients receiving cardiology consultation (25.42 ± 14.54 hours, P-value <0.001) versus those who did not (19.27 ± 13.76, P-value <0.001) and for those receiving preoperative TTE (26.00 ± 15.33 hours, P-value <0.001) versus those who did not (18.94 ± 12.92, P-value <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiology consultation and TTE are frequently used against AHA/ACC CPG. These measures are expensive and delay surgery, which can increase morbidity and mortality. These findings persisted despite limited resources available in a safety net hospital. Hospitals should improve adherence to CPG, or modify protocols.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Design and Evaluation of a Hospital-Based Educational Event on Fracture Care for Older Adult

Introduction:

Surgeons, internal medicine physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team managing older adults with a fracture all have barriers to attending educational courses, including time away from practice and cost. Our planning group decided to create and evaluate a hospital-based educational event to address, meet, and improve the care of older adults with a fracture.

Materials and Methods:

A committee of surgeons and geriatricians defined 3 learning objectives to improve knowledge and attitudes in co-managed care. They designed a 1-day educational event consisting of a departmental visit, a review of cases, a planning session to identify gaps and plan changes, and presentations on selected topics. Thirteen hospitals worldwide completed an 8-question online application form, and 7 sites were selected for delivery over 3 years in Denmark, Colombia, Thailand, Paraguay, Switzerland, and the Dominican Republic.

Results:

Each event was conducted by 1 or more visiting surgeons and geriatricians, and the local team leaders. The most common challenges reported in the applications were preoperative assessment or optimization, delayed surgery, lack of protocols, access to a geriatrician, teamwork, and specific aspects of perioperative and postoperative care. In each department, 4 or 5 goals and targets for implementation were agreed. The presentations section was customized and attended by 20 to 50 team members.

Discussion:

Topics selected by a majority of departments were principles of co-managed care (7), preoperative optimization (7), and management of delirium (4). Follow up was conducted after 3 and 12 months to review the degree of achievement of each planned change and to identify any barriers to complete implementation.

Conclusions:

Hospital-based events with visiting and local faculty were effective to engage a broader audience that might not attend external courses. A performance improvement component with goal setting and follow up was acceptable to all host departments.

Implementing a Geriatric Fracture Program in a Mixed Practice Environment Reduces Total Cost and Length of Stay

Introduction:

Geriatric-orthopaedic co-management models can improve patient outcomes. However, prior reports have been at large academic centers with “closed” systems and an inpatient geriatric service. Here we describe a Geriatric Fracture Program (GFP) in a mixed practice “pluralistic” environment that includes employed academic faculty, private practice physicians, and multiple private hospitalist groups. We hypothesized GFP enrollment would reduce length of stay (LOS), time to surgery (TTS), and total hospital costs compared to non-GFP patients.

Materials and Methods:

A multidisciplinary team was created around a geriatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) and consulting geriatrician. Standardized geriatric focused training programs and electronic tools were developed based on best practice guidelines. Fracture patients >65 years old were prospectively enrolled from July 2018 – June 2019. A trained biostatistician performed all statistical analyses. A p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

564 operative and nonoperative fractures in patients over 65 were prospectively followed with 153 (27%) enrolled in the GFP and 411 (73%) admitted to other hospitalists or their primary care provider (non-GFP). Patients enrolled in the GFP had a significantly shorter median LOS of 4 days, compared to 5 days in non-GFP patients (P < 0.001). There was a strong trend towards a shorter median TTS in the GFP group (21.5 hours v 25 hours, p = 0.066). Mean total costs were significantly lower in the GFP group ($25,323 v $29085, p = 0.022)

Discussion:

Our data shows that a geriatric-orthopaedic co-management model can be successfully implemented without an inpatient geriatric service, utilizing the pre-existing resources in a complex environment. The program can be expanded to include additional groups to improve care for entire geriatric fracture population with significant anticipated cost savings.

Conclusions:

With close multidisciplinary team work, a successful geriatric-orthopaedic comanagement model for geriatric fractures can be implemented in even a mixed practice environment without an inpatient geriatrics service.

Is 48 h a critical cut-off point for mortality in geriatric hip fractures?

Background/aim

In this study, our objective was to evaluate the mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients who were operated within 48 h after admission or after the 48thh.

Materials and methods

A total of 194 patients who had undergone surgery for hip fracture between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patient information was obtained from the hospital’s database using the ICD codes 81.52, 82.00–82.09, and 82.10. Radiological examination reports were collected from the patient files. Information on mortality was obtained from the Death Notification System of the Turkish Ministry of Health. First-year mortality rates of patients operated within 48 h (Group 1) and those operated at 48–96 h (Group 2) were compared.

Results

The mean duration between admission to the hospital and surgical intervention was 33.90 ± 1.95 h (3–96 h). The mean total hospitalization time was 7.29 ± 1.53 days (2–36 days). Of the patients, 62 (32%) died within one year after the operation. The mean survival times for patients operated ≤48 h or >48 h were 8.47 ± 1.90 and 6.57 ± 2.59 months, respectively (Z = 1.074, P = 0.283). There was no significant correlation between survival time and the time delay before the operation (r = –0.103, P = 0.153). Additionally, the Cox regression analysis, including age (years), ASA (grade 3 vs. 2), time to operation (h), and days spent in the ICU, demonstrated no significant independent effect of the time to operation on survival (P = 0.200).

Conclusion

Although shortening the time to surgery may have some rationale, we did not find any difference in patients operated before 48 h compared to 48–96 h concerning mortality.

Need and Rationale for Geriatric Fracture Programs

Fragility fractures among the older adult population are common, costly, and one of the top acute care facility diagnoses for this age group. Approximately 150,000 older adults in the United States are admitted to a hospital for treatment of a fragility hip fracture annually, with an estimated cost of more than $10 billion to the healthcare system. On admission to the hospital, patient treatment may be delayed, fragmented, or inadequate, adversely impacting length of stay and short- and long-term patient outcomes. Development of a geriatric fracture program implementing standardized, evidence-based guidelines can streamline clinical pathways and care processes and has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective method to improve patient outcomes.

Establishing a Geriatric Hip Fracture Program at a Level 1 Community Trauma Center

BACKGROUND

Traditional care of patients with geriatric hip fracture has been fragmented with patients admitted under various specialty services and to different units within a hospital. This produces inconsistent care and leads to varying outcomes that can be associated with increased length of stay, delays in time from admission to surgery, and higher readmission rates.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to describe the process taken to establish a successful geriatric hip fracture program (GFP) and the initial results observed in a single institution after its implementation.

METHODS

All patients 60 years or older, with an osteoporotic hip fracture sustained from a low energy mechanism (defined as a fall from 3-ft height or less), were included in our program. Fracture patterns include femoral neck, intertrochanteric, pertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric femur fractures including displaced, nondisplaced, and periprosthetic fractures. Preprogram data included all patients admitted from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2014; postprogram data were collected on patients admitted between May 1, 2016, and May 1, 2018.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics of the populations were similar. After the GFP was implemented, the proportion of patients who were treated surgically within 24 and 48 hours increased. The average number of hours between admission and surgery significantly reduced from 35.2 to 23.2 hours. Overall length of stay was decreased by 1.8 days and readmission within 30 days of discharge was lower. Reasons for readmission were similar in both timeframes. The rate of inpatient death was similar in the two groups. Mortality within 30 days of surgery appeared somewhat higher in the post-GFP period.

CONCLUSION

Our program found that, with the utilization of a multidisciplinary approach, we could positively influence the care of patients with geriatric hip fracture through the implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines. In the first 2 years after initiation of the GFP, our institution saw a decrease in time from admission to surgery, length of stay, and blood transfusion requirements.

Holistic Management of Older Patients With Hip Fractures

As the silver tsunami hits the world, older patients with hip fractures are expected to increase to 6.3 million by the year 2050, of which the majority will occur in Asia. The estimated global cost of hip fractures in the year 2050 is estimated to reach U.S. $130 billion. Hence, in addition to implementation of prevention strategies, it is important to develop an optimal model of care for older patients with hip fracture to minimize the huge medical and socioeconomic burden, especially in rapidly aging nations. This review summarizes the complications of hip fractures, importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation, as well as predictors of rehabilitation outcome in older patients with hip fracture.

Individual music psychotherapy and psychosis: Understanding and measuring relative effectiveness through rates of readmission

This article explores the use of individual music psychotherapy for patients with psychosis who are frequently readmitted into hospital. It explores the extent to which music psychotherapy can support patients to stay out of hospital, thus reducing the costs of treatment. The high cost of inpatient stays is a major factor in shaping clinical services across both inpatient and outpatient zones of secondary care in the United Kingdom. Whether music therapy is seen as value for money may influence how it is provided and for how long. This article presents an empirical illustration of the frequency and duration of psychotic patients’ readmissions in England, and in London. An analysis of these data is provided in an attempt to ascribe meaning to these figures, through relevant literature and hypotheses. Finally, readmission rates are considered as a potential objective outcome measure of clinical effectiveness, by providing a comparison between patients treated with individual music psychotherapy and those receiving treatment as usual.

Fascia Iliaca Block Decreases Hip Fracture Postoperative Opioid Consumption: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of a preoperative fascia iliaca compartment block in decreasing postoperative pain and improving functional recovery after hip fracture surgery.

DESIGN

Randomized prospective Level 1 therapeutic.

SETTING

Academic Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

Geriatric patients with fractures of the proximal femur (neck, intertrochanteric, or subtrochanteric regions) were prospectively randomized into an experimental (A) or control (B) groups. Forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria, 23 randomized to the experimental group and 24 to the control group.

INTERVENTION

Patients randomized to the experimental group received an ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist immediately before the initiation of anesthesia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome measure was postoperative pain medication consumption until postoperative day 3. Secondary outcomes included functional recovery and a study-specific patient-reported satisfaction survey assessed on postoperative day 3.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in consumption of acetaminophen for mild pain, tramadol for moderate pain, or functional recovery between the 2 groups. There was a statistically significant decrease in morphine consumption (0.4 mg vs. 19.4 mg, P = 0.05) and increase in patient-reported satisfaction (31%, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative fascia iliaca compartment block significantly decreases postoperative opioid consumption while improving patient satisfaction. We recommend the integration of this safe and efficacious modality into institutional geriatric hip fracture protocols as an adjunctive pain control strategy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Impact of pharmaceutical care in the orthopaedic department

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

In the mid-1960s, clinical pharmacy developed in the USA, and as the demand for pharmaceutical services continued to grow, their impact began to be taken seriously. However, the participation of clinical pharmacists as members of the multidisciplinary team in the orthopaedic department is still in its infancy, although its role in orthopaedics has not been defined. The object of this study was to identify and discuss the impact of pharmaceutical care in the orthopaedic department.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for papers published between 1998 and 2019, using the keywords pharmacy, pharmacist, and medication or drug combined with orthopaedic. Other available resources were also used to identify relevant articles.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Based on the available evidence in 74 articles, it was found that clinical pharmacists play an important role in all aspects of rational use of medications, medication review and reconciliation, monitoring adverse drug events, risk assessment, and medication education and counselling. In addition, clinical pharmacy services were developed to minimize medication errors, adverse drug events and medical costs, but clinical pharmacy is still in its early stages in orthopaedics.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted in the orthopaedic department, as pharmacist interventions can be vital for promoting the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. Although pharmacists' contributions to orthopaedics are not yet fully recognized, pharmaceutical services can undoubtedly contribute to both clinical and societal outcomes.

Emergency Orthogeriatrics: Concepts and Therapeutic Considerations for the Geriatric Patient

Appropriate recognition of the physiologic, psychological, and clinical differences among geriatric patients, with respect to orthopedic injury and disease, is paramount for all emergency medicine providers to ensure they are providing high-value care for this vulnerable population.

Standardized Hospital-Based Care Programs Improve Geriatric Hip Fracture Outcomes: An Analysis of the ACS NSQIP Targeted Hip Fracture Series

OBJECTIVE

To determine relative complication rates and outcome measures in patients treated under a standardized hip fracture program (SHFP).

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried to identify patients who underwent operative fixation of femoral neck, intertrochanteric hip, and subtrochanteric hip fractures in 2016. Cohorts of patients who were and were not treated under a documented SHFP were identified. Relevant perioperative clinical and outcomes data were collected. Multivariate regression was used to assess risk-adjusted complication rates and outcomes for patients treated in SHFPs.

RESULTS

A total of 9360 hip fracture patients were identified of whom 5070 (54.2%) were treated under a documented SHFP. Median age was 84 years, and 69.9% of patients were women. Patients in an SHFP had a lower risk-adjusted incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis [odds ratio (OR) 0.48 (0.32-0.72), P < 0.001]. Rates of other medical and surgical complications and 30-day mortality were statistically comparable. Risk-adjusted evaluation showed that SHFP patients were less likely to be discharged to an inpatient facility versus home [OR 0.72 (0.63-0.81), P < 0.001] and had a lower 30-day readmission rate [OR 0.83 (0.71-0.97), P = 0.023]. Furthermore, the SHFP patients had higher rates of immediate postoperative weight-bearing as tolerated [OR 1.23 (1.10-1.37), P < 0.001], adherence to deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis at 28 days [OR 1.27 (1.16-1.38), P < 0.001], and initiation of bone protective medications [OR 1.79 (1.64-1.96), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Care in a modern hospital-based SHFP is associated with improved short-term outcome measures. Further development and widespread implementation of organized, multidisciplinary orthogeriatric hip fracture protocols is recommended.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III.

Comprehensive Hip Fracture Care Program: Successive Implementation in 3 Hospitals

Introduction:

Hip fractures are common and costly in the elderly population, often contributing to loss of function and independence. Prompt, coordinated surgical care may improve clinical and economic outcomes for this population.

Materials and Methods:

We created an interdisciplinary care program focused on minimizing time spent immobilized awaiting surgery and streamlining the care pathway for hip fracture. Patients older than 65 years with any hip fracture type including hip fracture repair Diagnosis-Related Group codes (MS-DRG 480, 481, or 482) and MS-DRG 469 and 470 with a hip fracture diagnosis were included in the study. The Hip Fracture Care program (HFCP) was implemented on a staggered basis in 3 hospitals in the HonorHealth system. Time to surgery, length of stay, and discharge location (home/skilled nursing facility) were compared pre- and post-intervention, utilizing an interrupted time series analysis to account for background trends.

Results:

More than 2000 patients across the 3 facilities received HFCP care; demographics were similar for the 826 patients serving as the pre-implementation comparison group. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) length of stay decreased from 5.6 (4.0) to 4.7 (2.9) days (mean difference 0.9 days; P < .05). Mean (SD) time from admission to the operating room decreased from 30.8 (21.1) to 25.6 (20.5) hours (mean difference 5.2 hours; P < .05). There was no change in the proportion of patients discharged to home versus skilled nursing facility.

Discussion:

Optimal care of this vulnerable population can significantly reduce the time to surgery and length of stay.

Conclusions:

Length of stay was reduced by nearly 1 day with implementation of a multifactorial program for hip fracture care.

Geriatric fracture centers-improved patient care and economic benefits : English Version

The world's population is aging resulting in changes in the way we manage geriatric care. Furthermore, this population has a considerable risk of fragility fractures, most notably hip fractures. Hip fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and have large economic consequences. It is due to these factors that the concept of an elderly trauma center was developed. These trauma centers utilize the expertise in orthopedic and geriatric disciplines to provide coordinated care to the elderly hip fracture patient. As a result, studies have demonstrated improvements in clinical outcomes within the hospital stay, a reduction in iatrogenic complications, and improvements in 1-year mortality rates compared to the usual care given at a similar facility. Furthermore, economic models have demonstrated that there is a role for regionalized hip fracture centers that can be both profitable and provide more efficient care to these patients.

The Coming Hip and Femur Fracture Bundle: A New Inpatient Risk Stratification Tool for Care Providers

INTRODUCTION

In response to increasing health-care costs, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has initiated several programs to transition from a fee-for-service model to a value-based care model. One such voluntary program is Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced (BPCI Advanced) which includes all hip and femur fractures that undergo operative fixation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the current cost and resource utilization of operatively fixed (nonarthroplasty) hip and femur fracture procedure bundle patients at a single level 1 trauma center within the framework of a risk stratification tool (Score for Trauma Triage in the Geriatric and Middle-Aged [STTGMA]) to identify areas of high utilization before our hospitals transition to bundle period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of Medicare-eligible patients discharged with the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes 480 to 482 (hip and femur fractures requiring surgical fixation) from a level 1 trauma center between October 2014 and September 2016 was evaluated and assigned a trauma triage risk score (STTGMA score). Patients were stratified into groups based on these scores to create a minimal-, low-, moderate-, and high-risk cohort. Length of stay (LOS), discharge location, need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/Step Down Unit (SDU) care, inpatient complications, readmission within 90 days, and inpatient admission costs were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-three patients with a mean age of 81.5 (10.1) years met inclusion criteria. The mean LOS was 8.0 (4.2) days, with high-risk patients having 4 days greater LOS than lower risk patients. The mean number of total complications was 0.9 (0.8) with a significant difference between risk groups (P = .029). The mean total cost of admission for the entire cohort of patients was US$25,446 (US$9725), with a nearly US$9000 greater cost for high-risk patients compared to the low-risk patients. High-cost areas of care included room/board, procedure, and radiology.

DISCUSSION

High-risk patients were more likely to have longer and more costly admissions with average index admission costs nearly US$9000 more than the lower risk patient cohorts. These high-risk patients were also more likely to develop inpatient complications and require higher levels of care.

CONCLUSION

This analysis of a 2-year cohort of patients who would qualify for the BPCI Advanced hip and femur procedure bundle demonstrates that the STTGMA tool can be used to identify high-risk patients who fall outside the bundle.

Risk factors and clinical outcomes of delirium in osteoporotic hip fractures

PURPOSE

This study is performed to identify risk factors for delirium in osteoporotic hip fractures and to evaluate the hospitalization cost and clinical outcomes of delirium in osteoporotic hip.

METHODS

A total of 221 patients with osteoporotic hip fractures were assessed for eligibility between 2010 and 2014. Among them, 37 patients with delirium were allocated into the delirium group (group D) and 37 patients without delirium were allocated into the non-delirium group (group ND) by matching demographic factors. Risk factors such as time between admission and operation, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, cognitive impairment, preoperative urinary catheter, electrolyte imbalance, preoperative hemoglobin, polymedication (medications > 5), pneumonia, anesthesia time, operation time, estimated blood loss, and total amount of transfusion were evaluated for correlation with incidence of delirium. The hospitalization cost was evaluated, and clinical outcomes such as readmission, mortality, and activity level at 1-year follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, polymedication ( p = 0.028) and preoperative indwelling urinary catheter insertion status ( p = 0.007) were related to the incidence of delirium in patients with osteoporotic hip fractures. Group D showed a significantly higher hospitalization cost compared to group ND. However, delirium did not have a significant effect on length of hospital stay, readmission rate, postoperative 1-year mortality, and activity level.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymedication and preoperative urinary catheter were related to perioperative delirium. In addition, delirium in osteoporotic hip fractures may not have a detrimental effect on clinical outcomes; however, hospitalization cost seemed to be increased due to delirium.

Effectiveness of a Day Rehabilitation Program in Improving Functional Outcome and Reducing Mortality and Readmission of Elderly Patients With Fragility Hip Fractures

Introduction:

The incidence of hip fracture is projected to increase in the next 25 years as the world population ages. Hip fracture is often associated with subsequent readmission and mortality. Nevertheless, elderly patients often may not achieve the same level of functional ability as prior to their injury. Several studies have shown that close collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and geriatricians can improve such outcomes and Geriatric Day Hospital (GDH) is one of the examples of collaboration to improve such outcomes. The aim of this descriptive retrospective study is to review the effectiveness of the day rehabilitation program provided by a GDH on functional outcomes, mortality, and readmission rate, among a sample of elderly patients with hip fracture.

Methods:

The medical records of patients from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2012, were collected and evaluated. Demographic data of the patients and Charlson Comorbidity Index were collected. The Barthel Index, Elderly Mobility Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination were measured on admission and at discharge of the patients to evaluate both physical and cognitive functions.

Results:

The results showed that the majority of patients benefited from rehabilitation in the GDH. The 12-month mortality rate of patients taking full-course rehabilitation in the GDH was improved. The age of patient was the most important factor influencing the rehabilitation outcomes. Gender was the only risk factor for 12-month mortality and 6-month readmission.

Discussion:

Since patients were selected to attend GDH, there was a bias during the selection of patients. Furthermore, it was difficult to compare patients attended GDH with patients who did not because outcomes of the latter were difficult to be recorded.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that postoperative geriatric hip fracture patients definitely can benefit from rehabilitation service offered by GDH in terms of functional and cognitive outcomes.

Quality indicators for in-hospital geriatric co-management programmes: a systematic literature review and international Delphi study

OBJECTIVE

To find consensus on appropriate and feasible structure, process and outcome indicators for the evaluation of in-hospital geriatric co-management programmes.

DESIGN

An international two-round Delphi study based on a systematic literature review (searching databases, reference lists, prospective citations and trial registers).

SETTING

Western Europe and the USA.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-three people with at least 2 years of clinical experience in geriatric co-management were recruited. Twenty-eight experts (16 from the USA and 12 from Europe) participated in both Delphi rounds (85% response rate).

MEASURES

Participants rated the indicators on a nine-point scale for their (1) appropriateness and (2) feasibility to use the indicator for the evaluation of geriatric co-management programmes. Indicators were considered appropriate and feasible based on a median score of seven or higher. Consensus was based on the level of agreement using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method.

RESULTS

In the first round containing 37 indicators, there was consensus on 14 indicators. In the second round containing 44 indicators, there was consensus on 31 indicators (structure=8, process=7, outcome=16). Experts indicated that co-management should start within 24 hours of hospital admission using defined criteria for selecting appropriate patients. Programmes should focus on the prevention and management of geriatric syndromes and complications. Key areas for comprehensive geriatric assessment included cognition/delirium, functionality/mobility, falls, pain, medication and pressure ulcers. Key outcomes for evaluating the programme included length of stay, time to surgery and the incidence of complications.

CONCLUSION

The indicators can be used to assess the performance of geriatric co-management programmes and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, the indicators can be used to monitor the implementation and effect of these programmes.

Cost-effectiveness of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Compared With Hemiarthroplasty in the Management of Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures

Objectives

To determine if open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is more cost-effective than hemiarthroplasty (HA) in the management of proximal humerus fracture.

Design

Retrospective cohort study with cost-effectiveness analysis.

Setting

Tertiary referral center in Rochester, NY.

Patients/participants

The records of 459 consecutive patients in whom a proximal humerus fracture was treated surgically at our institution between the years 2002 and 2012 were studied retrospectively. We identified 30 consecutive patients with a mean follow-up of 60.3 months (13.6–134.5 months) of which 15 patients underwent primary ORIF and another 15 underwent primary HA for the management of head-splitting fracture or fracture-dislocation of the proximal humerus.

Intervention

HA or ORIF for the management of proximal humerus fracture.

Main outcome measurements

SF-36 scores were converted to utility weights, and a cost-effectiveness model was designed to evaluated ORIF and HA.

Results

Given the baseline assumptions, ORIF was slightly more costly but also more effective (0.75 quality-adjusted life years [QALY] vs 0.67 QALY) than HA. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $5319/QALY for ORIF compared to HA, which is less than the cost-effectiveness standard utilized based on a willingness to pay of $50,000/QALY.

Conclusions

Compared to HA, ORIF is the more cost-effective approach for the surgical management of complex proximal humerus fractures. These data are limited by patient selection which would impact the relative utility scores. These results suggest that ORIF should be considered the preferable surgical approach given payer and patient perspectives. Level of Evidence: This is a Level III retrospective, cohort therapeutic study.

Interdisciplinary Care Model Independently Decreases Use of Critical Care Services After Corrective Surgery for Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

OBJECTIVE

Interdisciplinary management of elderly patients requiring spine surgery has been shown to improve short- and long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether an interdisciplinary team approach mitigates use of intensive care unit (ICU) resources.

METHODS

A unique comanagement model for elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery was implemented at a major academic medical center. The Peri-operative Optimization of Senior Health Program (POSH) was launched with the aim of improving outcomes in elderly patients (>65 years old) undergoing complex lumbar spine surgery. In this model, a geriatrician evaluates elderly patients preoperatively, comanages daily throughout hospital course, and coordinates multidisciplinary rehabilitation, along with the neurosurgical team. We retrospectively reviewed the first 100 cases after the initiation of the POSH protocol and compared them with the immediately preceding 25 cases to assess the rates of ICU transfer and independent predictors of ICU admission.

RESULTS

A total of 125 patients undergoing lumbar decompression and fusion surgery were enrolled in this pilot program. Baseline characteristics and intraoperative variables, as well as number of fusion levels and duration of surgery, were similar between both cohorts. There was a significant difference in the use of ICU services (ICU admission rates) between both cohorts, with the non-POSH cohort having a 3-fold increase compared with the POSH cohort (P < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, lack of an interdisciplinary comanagement team approach was an independent predictor for ICU transfers in elderly patients undergoing corrective surgery (odds ratio 8.51, 95% confidence interval 2.972-24.37, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that an interdisciplinary comanagement model between geriatrics and neurosurgery is independently associated with reduced use of critical care services.

Management of Acetabular Fractures in the Elderly

The incidence of acetabular fractures in the elderly population is increasing. Fractures in this population differ from those in younger patients, with more frequent involvement of the anterior column, more comminution, and more severe articular impaction in elderly patients. Although acetabular fractures in geriatric patients are more likely the result of low-energy trauma, outcomes are generally poorer than those in young patients. Multiple management options have been proposed, but no intervention has become the standard of care for these fractures in the elderly. Patient characteristics (eg, prior ambulation status, functional capacity, bone quality), the nature of the fracture, and the experience of the treating orthopaedic surgeon all must be considered when choosing among nonsurgical treatment, percutaneous fixation, open reduction and internal fixation, and immediate or delayed arthroplasty. Each treatment option has the potential for satisfactory results in properly selected patients.

Clinical Practice Guidelines Decrease Unnecessary Echocardiograms Before Hip Fracture Surgery

BACKGROUND

Preoperative assessment of geriatric patients with a hip fracture may include transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), which increases resource utilization and cost and may delay surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate preoperative TTE utilization at a single institution in order to determine (1) how often TTE is ordered in accordance with clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), (2) how frequently TTE reveals cardiac disease that may alter medical or anesthesia management, and (3) whether following CPGs reduces unnecessary TTE utilization without potentially missing important disease.

METHODS

A retrospective review of data on 100 geriatric patients with a hip fracture who had undergone preoperative TTE was performed. Charts were reviewed to evaluate if TTE had been obtained in accordance with the published CPGs from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). TTE reports were reviewed for the presence of disease that was important enough to cause modifications in anesthesia or perioperative management, including new left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, moderate or severe valvular disease, and pulmonary hypertension. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of accordance with the ACC/AHA CPGs for predicting which patients would have TTE that identified important disease were calculated.

RESULTS

The TTE was ordered in accordance with the published ACC/AHA CPGs for 66% of the patients. TTE revealed disease with the potential to modify anesthesia or medical management in 14% of the patients-for all of whom the TTE had been indicated according to ACC/AHA guidelines (i.e., the guidelines were 100% sensitive). In this study population, following the ACC/AHA guidelines could have prevented the performance of TTE in 34% of the patients without missing any disease (40% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative TTE for patients with a hip fracture is frequently obtained outside the recommendations of established CPGs. Utilization of CPGs such as the ACC/AHA guidelines should be considered, as it may decrease variability in care and reduce unnecessary resource utilization without adversely affecting patient outcomes.

Using a Comanagement Model to Develop a Hip Fracture Integrated Care Pathway

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hip fracture care represents a service line that profoundly affects patients' quality of life. As hospitals and physicians are motivated to improve quality, reduce costs, and maximize efficiency of care, several alignment models have been proposed under new healthcare legislation. Evaluation of such models as they pertain to hip fracture care warrants further investigation. In this article, we identify the current model of operations present in large healthcare organizations, examine the reasoning behind hospital-physician alignment, and describe specific comanagement principles that are common in healthcare settings. Furthermore, the effects of a comanagement model on a hip fracture integrated care pathway will be demonstrated through a case study. A comanagement team was formed at a Level I academic trauma center to create an integrated care pathway for the hip fracture service line. An internal data review of hip fracture cases before and after implementation of the pathway was undertaken to assess the impact of this model in terms of postoperative outcomes and resource utilization. The postimplementation group displayed more observant care while consuming fewer resources. Thus, the comanagement model described in this article serves as a powerful tool, allowing hospitals and physicians to improve the quality of care. This study provides recommendations based on our success in the hip fracture setting that may be extrapolated to improve service lines and healthcare efficiency nationally.

The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary hip fracture care model in improving the clinical outcome and the average cost of manpower

After the implementation of the multidisciplinary geriatric hip fracture clinical pathway in 2007, the hospital length of stay and the clinical outcomes improves. Moreover, the cost of manpower for each hip fracture decreases. It proves that this care model is cost-effective.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and the cost of manpower before and after the implementation of the multidisciplinary geriatric hip fracture clinical pathway (GHFCP).

METHODS

The hip fracture data from 2006 was compared with the data of four consecutive years since 2008. The efficiency of the program is assessed using the hospital length of stay. The clinical outcomes include mortality rates and complication rates are compared. Cost of manpower was also analysed.

RESULTS

After the implementation of the GHFCP, the preoperative length of stay shortened significantly from 5.8 days in 2006 to 1.3 days in 2011. The total length of stay in both acute and rehabilitation hospitals were also shortened by 6.1 days and 14.2 days, respectively. The postoperative pneumonia rate also decreased from 1.25 to 0.25%. The short- and long-term mortalities also showed a general improvement. Despite allied health manpower was increased to meet the increased workload, the shortened length of stay accounted for a mark decrease in cost of manpower per hip fracture case.

CONCLUSION

This study proves that the GHFCP shortened the geriatric hip fracture patients' length of stay and improves the clinical outcomes. It is also cost-effective which proves better care is less costly.

Cost Savings Opportunities in Perioperative Management of the Patients With Orthopaedic Trauma

Considerable opportunities for cost savings exist surrounding the perioperative management of patients with orthopaedic fracture and trauma. Scientific evidence is available to support each potential cost savings measure. Much of these data had been documented for years but has never been adhered to, resulting in millions of dollars in unnecessary testing and treatment. Careful attention to preoperative laboratory testing can save huge amounts of money and expedite medical clearance for injured patients. The use of a dedicated orthopaedic trauma operating room has been shown to improve resource utilization, decrease costs, and surgical complications. A variety of anesthetic techniques and agents can reduce operative time, recovery room time, and hospital lengths of stay. Strict adherence to blood utilization protocols, appropriate deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and multimodal postoperative pain control with oversight from dedicated hip fracture hospitalists is critical to cost containment. Careful attention to postoperative disposition to acute care and management of postoperative testing and radiographs can also be another area of cost containment. Institutional protocols must be created and followed by a team of orthopaedic surgeons, hospitalists, and anesthesiologists to significantly impact the costs associated with care of patient with orthopaedic trauma and fracture.

Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures: Improved Outcomes With Higher Hospital Volumes

OBJECTIVES

To determine if hospital arthroplasty volume affects patient outcomes after undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) for displaced femoral neck fractures.

METHODS

The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database from the New York State Department of Health was used to group hospitals into quartiles based on overall THA volume from 2000 to 2010. The database was then queried to identify all patients undergoing THA specifically for femoral neck fracture during this time period. The data were analyzed to investigate outcomes between the 4 volume quartiles in 30-day and 1-year mortality, 1-year revision rate, and 90-day complication rate (readmission for dislocation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, prosthetic joint infection, or other complications related to arthroplasty in the treatment of femoral neck fractures with THA).

RESULTS

Patients undergoing THA for femoral neck fracture at hospitals in the top volume quartile had significantly lower 30-day (0.9%) and 1-year (7.51%) mortality than all other volume quartiles. There were no significant differences on pairwise comparisons between the second, third, and fourth quartiles with regard to postoperative mortality. There was no significant difference in revision arthroplasty at 1 year between any of the volume quartiles. On Cox regression analysis, THA for fracture at the lowest volume (fourth) quartile [hazard ratio (HR), 1.91; P = 0.016, 95% confidence interval (CI), (1.13-3.25)], second lowest volume (third) quartile (HR, 2.01; P = 0.013, 95% CI, 1.16-3.5) and third lowest volume (second) quartile (HR, 2.13; P = 0.005, 95% CI, 1.26-3.62) were associated with increased risk for a 1-year postoperative mortality event. Hospital volume quartile was also a significant risk factor for increased 90-day complication (pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, acute dislocation, prosthetic joint infection) following THA for femoral neck fracture. Having surgery in the fourth quartile (HR, 2.71; P < 0.001, 95% CI, 1.7-4.31), third quartile (HR, 2.61; P < 0.001, 95% CI, 1.61-4.23), and second quartile (HR, 2.41; P < 0.001, 95% CI, 1.51-3.84), all were significant risk factors for increased 90-day complication risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this population-based study indicate that THA for femoral neck fractures at high-volume arthroplasty centers is associated with lower mortality and 90-day complication rates but does not influence 1-year revision rate. THA for femoral neck fractures at top arthroplasty volume quartile hospitals are performed on healthier patients more quickly. Patient health is a critical factor that influences mortality outcomes following THA for femoral neck fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Interdisciplinary management in geriatric trauma surgery : Results of a survey in Austria]

BACKGROUND

The treatment of geriatric patients in the field of trauma surgery is increasingly gaining importance. To provide optimized treatment to these mostly multimorbid patients, interdisciplinary treatment concepts between trauma surgeons and geriatricians have been designed and implemented successfully.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this survey was to evaluate the current state of interdisciplinary management in the treatment of geriatric patients on trauma surgery wards throughout Austria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The directors of 64 Austrian trauma surgery wards were surveyed using an online-questionnaire regarding the current interdisciplinary treatment of geriatric patients.

RESULTS

A total of 39 (61 %) questionnaires were analyzed. Of the participating wards, 20 % distinguished between geriatric and non-geriatric patients. There were various criteria to classify the patients. The average percentage of patients older than 70 years was 43 %. Of the participating wards, 26 % had established a periodical cooperation between trauma surgeons and geriatricians and 8 % of the participants stated that there is no interdisciplinary cooperation. The establishment of an interdisciplinary treatment concept in the near future was planned in 28 %. The most commonly mentioned obstacle that prevented trauma surgery wards from establishing an interdisciplinary management model was the lack of personnel resources (59 %) - especially the lack of geriatricians (62 %).

CONCLUSION

The survey's results underline the geriatric trauma surgery's great importance especially regarding the high percentage of geriatric patients, as well as the fact that the significance of the interdisciplinary cooperation between trauma surgeons and geriatricians is not yet perceived by the majority of Austrian trauma surgery wards.

An Orthopedic-Hospitalist Comanaged Hip Fracture Service Reduces Inpatient Length of Stay

Introduction:

Hip fractures are common in the elderly patients with an incidence of 320 000 fractures/year in the United States, representing a health-care cost of US$9 to 20 billion. Hip fracture incidence is projected to increase dramatically. Hospitals must modify clinical models to accommodate this growing burden. Comanagement strategies are reported in the literature, but few have addressed orthopedic-hospitalist models. An orthopedic-hospitalist comanagement (OHC) service was established at our hospital to manage hip fracture patients. We sought to determine whether the OHC (1) improves the efficiency of hip fracture management as measured by inpatient length of stay (LOS) and time to surgery (TTS) and (2) whether our results are comparable to those reported in hip fracture comanagement literature.

Methods:

A comparative retrospective–prospective cohort study of patients older than 60 years with an admitting diagnosis of hip fracture was conducted to compare inpatient LOS and TTS for hip fracture patients admitted 10 months before (n = 45) and 10 months after implementation (n = 54) of the OHC at a single academic hospital. Secondary outcome measures included percentage of patients taken to surgery within 24 or 48 hours, 30-day readmission rates, and mortality. Outcomes were compared to comanagement study results published in MEDLINE-indexed journals.

Results:

Patient cohort demographics and comorbidities were similar. Inpatient LOS was reduced by 1.6 days after implementation of the OHC (P = .01) without an increase in 30-day readmission rates or mortality. Time to surgery was insignificantly reduced from 27.4 to 21.9 hours (P = .27) and surgery within 48 hours increased from 86% to 96% (P = .15).

Discussion:

The OHC has improved efficiency of hip fracture management as judged by significant reductions in LOS with a trend toward reduced TTS at our institution.

Conclusion:

Orthopedic-hospitalist comanagement may represent an effective strategy to improve hip fracture management in the setting of a rapidly expanding patient population.

[Co-management in geriatric traumatology]

BACKGROUND

Fragility fractures are becoming more common and are leading to significantly increased morbidity and mortality rates.

METHOD

In order to improve the outcome of these patients, they are increasingly being treated from the beginning interdisciplinarily and interprofessionally as part of co-management models. The main contents of these systems are rapid surgical stabilization for rapid remobilization, treatment with standardized paths and regular communication within the team and a well-functioning discharge management. Furthermore, the organization is a key ingredient in secondary prevention of geriatric traumatology.

CONCLUSION

If this system can be implemented as a whole, this will lead to an improvement of the functional outcomes for the patient as well as to cost savings.

Geriatric hip fracture management: keys to providing a successful program

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are a common event in older adults and are associated with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. This review examines the necessary elements required to implement a successful geriatric fracture program and identifies some of the barriers faced when implementing a successful program.

INTERVENTION

The Geriatric Fracture Center (GFC) is a treatment model that standardizes the approach to the geriatric fracture patient. It is based on five principles: surgical fracture management; early operative intervention; medical co-management with geriatricians; patient-centered, standard order sets to employ best practices; and early discharge planning with a focus on early functional rehabilitation. Implementing a geriatric fracture program begins with an assessment of the hospital's data on hip fractures and standard care metrics such as length of stay, complications, time to surgery, readmission rates and costs. Business planning is essential along with the medical planning process.

CONCLUSION

To successfully develop and implement such a program, strong physician leadership is necessary to articulate both a short- and long-term plan for implementation. Good communication is essential-those organizing a geriatric fracture program must be able to implement standardized plans of care working with all members of the healthcare team and must also be able to foster relationships both within the hospital and with other institutions in the community. Finally, a program of continual quality improvement must be undertaken to ensure that performance outcomes are improving patient care.

Cost Drivers After Surgical Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures in Medicare Patients

OBJECTIVES

This comparative effectiveness study sought to determine the impact of complications, readmission, and procedure choice on in-hospital and total 90-day costs for surgical management of proximal humerus fractures.

METHODS

Medicare claims data from the Upstate New York area (2008-2009) were evaluated. The study included all patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture identified by ICD-9 codes. The primary end points included in-hospital costs and total health care costs within 90 days after the index operation. Multivariable generalized linear models with negative binomial distributions and log link function were used for cost analysis.

RESULTS

ORIF was performed in 52 cases and hemiarthroplasty in 57 cases, total n = 109. On univariate analysis, readmission increased in-hospital cost by $54,345 and total 90-day costs by $63,104, whereas complications increased in-hospital cost by $23,300 and total 90-day costs by $30,237. On multivariable analysis, ORIF was associated with 29% lower in-hospital cost compared with hemiarthroplasty [Odds Ratio 0.71; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.54-0.92; P = 0.01], and readmission was associated with a 5.68-fold in-hospital cost increase (Odds Ratio 5.68; CI, 3.57-9.03; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Complications and hospital readmission continue to drive cost upward underscoring the need for best practice. The acute inpatient period costs may be decreased with ORIF in appropriately selected patients with proximal humerus fractures in comparison with hemiarthroplasty. This study provides real world cost estimates with the cost implications of complications, readmissions, and procedure choice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Inpatient cost for hip fracture patients managed with an orthogeriatric care model in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

The estimated incidence of hip fractures worldwide was 1.26 million in 1990 and is expected to double to 2.6 million by 2025. The cost of care for hip fracture patients is a significant economic burden. This study aimed to look at the inpatient cost of hip fractures among elderly patients placed under a mature orthogeriatric co-managed system.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of 244 patients who were admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, in 2011 for hip fractures under a mature orthogeriatric hip fracture care path. Information regarding costs, surgical procedures performed and patient demographics was collected.

RESULTS

The mean cost of hospitalisation was SGD 13,313.81. The mean cost was significantly higher for the patients who were managed surgically than for the patients who were managed non-surgically (SGD 14,815.70 vs. SGD 9,011.38; p < 0.01). Regardless of whether surgery was performed, the presence of complications resulted in a higher average cost (SGD 2,689.99 more than if there were no complications; p = 0.011). Every additional day from admission to time of surgery resulted in an increased cost of SGD 575.89, and the difference between the average cost of surgery within 48 hours and that of surgery > 48 hours was SGD 2,716.63.

CONCLUSION

Reducing the time to surgery and preventing pre- and postoperative complications can help reduce overall costs. A standardised care path that empowers allied health professionals can help to reduce perioperative complications, and a combined orthogeriatric care service can facilitate prompt surgical treatment.

Do Orthogeriatric Inpatients Have a Correct Medication List? A Pharmacist-Led Assessment of 254 Patients in a Swedish University Hospital

Introduction:

Comorbidities and polypharmacy complicate the treatment of geriatric patients with acute orthopedic injuries. A correct medication history and an updated medication list are a prerequisite for safe treatment of these debilitated patients. Published evidence suggests favorable outcomes with comanaged care. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the inpatient medication lists generated at admission and investigate the efficacy of a dedicated ward-based pharmacist to find and correct mistakes in these lists.

Methods:

A total of 254 patients were enrolled. The ward-based pharmacist performed the assessment regarding the accuracy of the medication list generated at admission by the method of medication reconciliation. Number of discrepancies and types of discrepancy were noted.

Results:

The 254 patients (176 women) had a mean age of 85 years (standard deviation 7.4 years, range 42-100 years). The most common reason for orthopedic admission was hip fracture. The mean number of discrepancies was 2.1 for all patients (range 0-13). Omission of a prescribed drug was the most common mistake. Fifty-six (22%) of the 254 assessed patients had a correct medication list.

Discussion:

The many discrepancies in our study may have several explanations but highlight the difficulties in taking a correct medication history of patients in a stressful environment with an extremely high workload. Moreover, electronic medication lists create challenges. Implementing new electronic tools for health care requires feedback, redesign, and adaptation to meet various needs of the users.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, orthogeriatric patients have an unsatisfactory high number of discrepancies in their medication lists. Clinical pharmacists can accurately identify many of these mistakes.

The Effects of a Hospitalist Comanagement Model for Joint Arthroplasty Patients in a Teaching Facility

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to compare postoperative medical comanagement of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients using a hospitalist (H) and nonhospitalist (NH) model at a single teaching institution to determine the clinical and economic impact of the hospitalist comanagement.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1656 patients who received hospitalist comanagement with 1319 patients who did not. The NH and H cohorts were compared at baseline via chi-square test for the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, the t test for age, and the Wilcoxon test for the unadjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score and the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Chi-square test was used to compare the postoperative length of stay, readmission rate at 30 days after surgery, diagnoses present on admission, new diagnoses during admission, tests ordered postoperatively, total direct cost, and discharge location.

RESULTS

The H cohort gained more new diagnoses (P < .001), had more studies ordered (P < .001), had a higher cost of hospitalization (P = .002), and were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (P < .001). The H cohort also had a lower length of stay (P < .001), but we believe evolving techniques in both pain control and blood management likely influenced this. There was no significant difference in readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Any potential benefit of a hospitalist comanagement model for this patient population may be outweighed by increased cost.

Dedicated Perioperative Hip Fracture Comanagement Programs are Cost-effective in High-volume Centers: An Economic Analysis

BACKGROUND

Osteoporotic hip fractures are common injuries typically occurring in patients who are older and medically frail. Studies have suggested that creation of a multidisciplinary team including orthopaedic surgeons, internal medicine physicians, social workers, and specialized physical therapists, to comanage these patients can decrease complication rates, improve time to surgery, and reduce hospital length of stay; however, they have yet to achieve widespread implementation, partly owing to concerns regarding resource requirements necessary for a comanagement program.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We performed an economic analysis to determine whether implementation of a comanagement model of care for geriatric patients with osteoporotic hip fractures would be a cost-effective intervention at hospitals with moderate volume. We also calculated what annual volume of cases would be needed for a comanagement program to "break even", and finally we evaluated whether universal or risk-stratified comanagement was more cost effective.

METHODS

Decision analysis techniques were used to model the effect of implementing a systems-based strategy to improve inpatient perioperative care. Costs were obtained from best-available literature and included salary to support personnel and resources to expedite time to the operating room. The major economic benefit was decreased initial hospital length of stay, which was determined via literature review and meta-analysis, and a health benefit was improvement in perioperative mortality owing to expedited preoperative evaluation based on previously conducted meta-analyses. A break-even analysis was conducted to determine the annual case volume necessary for comanagement to be either (1) cost effective (improve health-related quality of life enough to be worth additional expenses) or (2) result in cost savings (actually result in decreased total expenses). This calculation assumed the scenario in which a hospital could hire only one hospitalist (and therapist and social worker) on a full-time basis. Additionally, we evaluated the scenario where the necessary staff was already employed at the hospital and could be dedicated to a comanagement service on a part-time basis, and explored the effect of triaging only patients considered high risk to a comanagement service versus comanaging all geriatric patients. Finally, probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted on all critical variables, with broad ranges used for values around which there was higher uncertainty.

RESULTS

For the base case, universal comanagement was more cost effective than traditional care and risk-stratified comanagement (incremental cost effectiveness ratios of USD 41,100 per quality-adjusted life-year and USD 81,900 per quality-adjusted life-year, respectively). Comanagement was more cost effective than traditional management as long as the case volume was more than 54 patients annually (range, 41-68 patients based on sensitivity analysis) and resulted in cost savings when there were more than 318 patients annually (range, 238-397 patients). In a scenario where staff could be partially dedicated to a comanagement service, universal comanagement was more cost effective than risk-stratified comanagement (incremental cost effectiveness of USD 2300 per quality-adjusted life-year), and both comanagement programs had lower costs and better outcomes compared with traditional management. Sensitivity analysis was conducted and showed that the level of uncertainty in key variables was not high enough to change the core conclusions of the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a systems-based comanagement strategy using a dedicated team to improve perioperative medical care and expedite preoperative evaluation is cost effective in hospitals with moderate volume and can result in cost savings at higher-volume centers. The optimum patient population for a comanagement strategy is still being defined.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1, Economic and Decision Analysis.