Audit of geriatric hip fracture care - a Slovenian trauma center analysis

The aim was to describe an audit of hip fracture patient care and outcomes in a Slovenian healthcare setting prior to the implementation of the Geriatric Fracture Center (GFC) model of care.

The Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) hip fracture audit database was used to collect data on hip fracture care in elderly patients. Epidemiological data were submitted as well as fracture type, prefracture residence and mobility prior to the fracture. The timeline of events and acute care data were also collected. Follow-up after 30 days included hip-related readmission, mobility, residence and life status.

Included were 495 patients with a mean age of 81 years of which 20% were preoperatively seen by a physician or geriatrician, 93.1% had surgical repair, 58.5% of them within 48 h of admission. The mortality rate in hospital was 5.4% and 10.1% at follow-up, 61.8% patients were able to return to prefracture residency and 23% could walk with minor assistance.

This comprehensive and detailed audit report provides baseline data on case-mix, care and outcomes following hip fractures in Slovenia, in advance of planned quality improvement work in geriatric fracture care and provides a strong basis for the assessment of the impact of the GFC model of care.