Implementing a clinical pathway for hip fractures; effects on hospital length of stay and complication rates in five hundred and twenty six patients

Purpose Modern management of the elderly with a hip fracture is complex and costly. The aim of this study was to compare the treatment-related hospital length of stay (HLOS) before and after implementing a clinical pathway for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Methods This was a retrospective, before-and-after study. The first period ranged from June 21, 2008 to November 1, 2009 ( N = 212), and the second was from January 7, 2010 to July 7, 2011 ( N = 314). The electronic hospital system and patients records were reviewed for demographics, HLOS, mortality, complications and readmissions. Results In the first period 53 % had a femoral neck fracture, of which 57 % were treated with hemiarthroplasty. In the second period this was 46 % and 71 %. Pertrochanteric fractures were treated with a Gamma nail in 85 % in the first period, and in 92 % in the second period. The median HLOS decreased from nine to six days ( p