A hip fracture is a break occurring at the top of the thigh bone (femur), near the pelvis. It is a significant injury in an older person and is associated with significant morbidity, loss of function and mortality. Sub-optimal management can result in avoidable complications, prolonged hospitalisation and poorer patient outcomes.
The aims of the initiatives are to:
- reduce unwarranted clinical variation
- improve patient assessment, management and experience
- ensure effective and efficient care.
Snapshot of hip fracture in NSW
37 public hospitals had
25 or more hip fracture
care episodes
Standards
Hip Fracture Care Clinical Care Standard 2016
Standards outlining the delivery of appropriate hip fracture care, produced by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
For clinicians and services
What to improve
Read about the four clinical priority areas for hip fracture care:
- timely assessment and treatment of pain
- surgery within 36-hours of arriving at hospital (if appropriate)
- coordinated orthopaedic and geriatric services
- patients getting back on their feet within a day if possible
How to improve
Explore options for different organisational models to tailor clinical services for your local requirements:
- structured orthogeriatric service
- coordinated care applying orthogeriatric principles
Additional resources
- Australian and New Zealand Guideline for Hip Fracture Care
- Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry
- Fascia iliaca block
Resources for clinicians and their patients
- Consumer fact sheet: Hip fracture care
- Clinician fact sheet: Hip fracture care
- Orthogeriatric hip fracture care
Contact the hip fracture care team
Email the team at ACI-LBVC-HipFractureCare@health.nsw.gov.au