FRACTURED NECK OF THE FEMUR (DRG-210 211) - PROSPECTIVE OUTCOME STUDY/

Background: An ageing population will increase the need for resources to treat patients with a fractured neck of femur (DRG 210/211). Provis ion of these resources will be helped by a better understanding of cur rent practices. Methods: A prospective study of outcome at discharge f or 100 consecutive patients with DRG 210/211 was conducted at five Vic torian metropolitan reaching hospitals to assess length of stay and th e reasons for any variations. Results: The major influences on timing of discharge were: delayed availability of rehabilitation beds; the ti ming of referral and assessment by the Geriatric Assessment Tram: dela y in surgery more than 24 h after admission; and development of postop erative complications. Conclusion: The efficient management of patient s with DRG 210/211 requires a strong protocol of treatment and referra l strategies with adequate resources.