Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health

Health Service Evaluation
EValuaTING THE IMPACT AN ‘IN-house’ ORTHOTICS SERVICE HAS HAD ON
inPATIENT LENGTH OF STay AT THE NORTHERN HOSPITAL
Health SERVICE EVALUAtion
Morphet A, Spring A, Gazarek J.
Background
Historically, Orthotic services at Northern Health (NH) were provided by private companies/ contractors. Since the formation
of the NH Orthotic department in 2009 there has been a large increase in demand for inpatient Orthotic services.
Aim
The aim of this service evaluation was to investigate the impact that the ‘In-House’ Orthotics service had on inpatient length
of stay (LOS) for common referral conditions at The Northern Hospital (TNH), when compared to pre-2009 data.
Methodology
Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) codes for two conditions, toe amputations and tibial plateau fractures, were analysed to
determine if Orthotics involvement impacted on LOS and bed-day cost savings. Data from a one-year period in 2010/11 was
compared to the same patient groups in 2008.
Results
When Orthotics was not involved in patient management or care, LOS for these two conditions remained consistent across
the compared time periods. Following the introduction of the NH in-house Orthotics service, the average LOS reduced by 4
days for toe amputations and 1.3 days for tibial plateau fractures for patients when Orthotics was involved.
The estimated total reduction in LOS for patients admitted with toe amputation is 80 days, and tibial plateau fracture is 330
days, for patients requiring Orthotic intervention.
Conclusion
The formation of an in-house Orthotics Service has not only provided more time-efficient treatment, but decreased average
LOS in the studied patient groups. This has a positive impact on patient flow and cost-savings to NH.
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