Abstract
Aim and objectives of the study: To assess the true incidence and reasons for readmission after fracture neck of femur treatment and its effect on Trust star rating.
Introduction: Star ratings (zero to three) show how well a Trust is performing and is awarded against a set of performance indicators (Patient Focus, Capacity and Capability Focus and Clinical Focus) as laid by CHAI
These indicators cover the standards and outcomes of treatment given.
CHAI reports 9% readmission as an emergency within 28 days, and assumes that a proportion of the observed readmissions are potentially avoidable.
Materials and Methods: An audit done by the managers found 15 (19%) cases of readmission of fracture neck of femur during April to October 2004. We did Re audit by reviewing the exact cause for readmissions in all the cases.
Results: Out of 15 cases identified by the managers only 4 (5.19%) were true readmission, which is below the national average.8 readmissions were for medical reasons, 3 for social reasons and rest 4 were related to fracture complications like infection.
Conclusion: Star ratings (zero to three) reflect Trust performance and are awarded against a set of performance indicators, which cover the standards, and outcomes of treatment given (Patient Focus, Capacity and Capability Focus and Clinical Focus) as laid by CHAI.
We conclude that audit should be done as a team-work involving all responsible health care professionals and proper uniform coding system needs to be followed to obtain correct results.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bimal Singh, c/o BOSA at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
