Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>Health</strong> Service Evaluation<br />
EValuaTING THE IMPACT AN ‘IN-house’ ORTHOTICS SERVICE HAS HAD ON<br />
inPATIENT LENGTH OF STay AT THE NORTHERN HOSPITAL<br />
<strong>Health</strong> SERVICE EVALUAtion<br />
Morphet A, Spring A, Gazarek J.<br />
Background<br />
Historically, Orthotic services at <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Health</strong> (NH) were provided by private companies/ contractors. Since the formation<br />
of the NH Orthotic department in 2009 there has been a large increase in demand for inpatient Orthotic services.<br />
Aim<br />
The aim of this service evaluation was to investigate the impact that the ‘In-House’ Orthotics service had on inpatient length<br />
of stay (LOS) for common referral conditions at The <strong>Northern</strong> Hospital (TNH), when compared to pre-2009 data.<br />
Methodology<br />
Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) codes for two conditions, toe amputations and tibial plateau fractures, were analysed to<br />
determine if Orthotics involvement impacted on LOS and bed-day cost savings. Data from a one-year period in 2010/11 was<br />
compared to the same patient groups in 2008.<br />
Results<br />
When Orthotics was not involved in patient management or care, LOS for these two conditions remained consistent across<br />
the compared time periods. Following the introduction of the NH in-house Orthotics service, the average LOS reduced by 4<br />
days for toe amputations and 1.3 days for tibial plateau fractures for patients when Orthotics was involved.<br />
The estimated total reduction in LOS for patients admitted with toe amputation is 80 days, and tibial plateau fracture is 330<br />
days, for patients requiring Orthotic intervention.<br />
Conclusion<br />
The formation of an in-house Orthotics Service has not only provided more time-efficient treatment, but decreased average<br />
LOS in the studied patient groups. This has a positive impact on patient flow and cost-savings to NH.<br />
45