Healthcare Quarterly has published a case study profiling the Network’s hip fracture early referral initiative.

The Network was invited to submit the case study to the Healthcare Quarterly issue focused on innovation and quality improvement in health services delivery. The case study describes the process of implementing an early referral model, interim results and lessons learned that will help to inform the Network’s future change and spread initiatives.

Evidence suggests that patients with hip fractures should begin rehabilitation no later than six days following surgery. This recommendation was included in HQO’s Quality-Based Procedures Clinical Handbook for Hip Fracture.

With coordination and support from the Network, 10 acute care and 10 rehabilitation hospital sites across five LHINs implemented an early referral process toward the six-day goal.

The partnerships (of acute care and rehabilitation hospitals) began implementing the model at staggered start dates in late 2015 and early 2016. Interim results for six of the 10 partnerships show that two of the acute care hospitals surpassed the six-day target for ALOS from surgery to discharge to inpatient rehabilitation and two others were within 1.5 days.

Participating hospitals have now shifted, or will be shifting, to an audit phase. The Network will continue to provide data and coordination support for these quarterly audits for up to a year.

For more information, contact Sharon Ocampo-Chan, Project Manager at sharon.ocampo@uhn.ca.