RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Improving the care of patients with a hip fracture: a quality improvement report
JF BMJ Quality &amp; Safety
JO BMJ Qual Saf
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 532
OP 538
DO 10.1136/bmjqs-2014-003700
VO 24
IS 8
A1 Hawkes, David
A1 Baxter, Jonathan
A1 Bailey, Claire
A1 Holland, Gemma
A1 Ruddlesdin, Jennifer
A1 Wall, Alun
A1 Wykes, Philip
YR 2015
UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/24/8/532.abstract
AB Introduction Hip fractures are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality and their incidence is set to increase. The National Hip Fracture Database and the Best Practice Tariff were introduced with the aim of improving patient care. This complete audit cycle charts the substantial clinical improvements that were achieved in a busy district general hospital.Methods The first audit cycle comprised 379 patients who were admitted between May 2012 and April 2013. The primary audit criterion was operative intervention within 36 h of admission. Variation according to the day of the week of admission was assessed to evaluate specific deficiencies in local service provision. The principle audit intervention was the introduction of two additional morning trauma lists. A re-audit of 162 patients was conducted prospectively between January 2014 and June 2014.Results Mean time to theatre was 49±39 h during the first audit cycle compared with 27±19 h (p&lt;0.0001) during the second. Consequently, the proportion of patients undergoing operative intervention within 36 h of admission improved from 41% to 78% (p&lt;0.0001). Overall achievement of Best Practice Tariff was significantly higher during the second cycle: 28% vs 73% (p&lt;0.0001).Conclusions Significant improvements in the quality of hip fracture care were achieved following this audit. These were accomplished by rigorously analysing the variation in Best Practice Tariff achievement according to the day of the week on which patients were admitted. Targeted interventions could therefore be introduced that addressed specific problems in local service provision.