Almost 30,000 people across Canada experience a hip fracture each year. In 1996/97 the annual costs to care for these patients was estimated to be 650 million. With the current aging population, the economic burden is expected to rise to 2.4 billion annually by 2041. Direct health care system costs are approximately $27,000 per patient, with costs as low as $21,000 for patients that are discharged home and as high as $47,000 for those transitioned to long term care.
Despite ongoing improvements in surgical and rehabilitation interventions, a hip fracture is uniquely challenging for the patient and their family, the health care professionals that provide care, and the health care system. Hip fracture patients are often older and vulnerable and addressing their issues requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy.
Bone and Joint Canada has developed a National Hip Fracture Model of Care and Toolkit designed to coordinate care to ensure patients receive best practice care throughout their care.
The National Hip Fracture Toolkit provides a systems view of care that addresses the barriers patients experience as they transfer through the health care system from the time of their fall to rehabilitation and recovery.
For further information about the Toolkit please contact Rhona McGlasson at RhonaaMcGlasson@gmail,com
