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Applied Health Economics and Health Policy

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01-04-2013 | Research Letter

Is it Financially Efficient to Lose the Ring-Fenced Elective Orthopaedic Ward?

Authors: J. Agustin Soler, Sanjiv Manjure, Yegappan Kalairajah

Published in: Applied Health Economics and Health Policy | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Background

In an effort to rationalize National Health Service (NHS) funds in the United Kingdom, some hospitals have used the orthopaedic elective ring-fenced ward to admit general acute emergencies, admitting elective arthroplasty patients to general wards.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the financial effect and length of stay of elective arthroplasty patients admitted to general wards rather than ‘ring-fenced’ orthopaedic wards.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study

Setting

Hospital care

Patients

During the period between 01 November 2010 and 31 March 2011, 194 consecutive patients were admitted for elective total hip and total knee arthroplasties. Due to increased bed pressures, 35 (18.04 %) of the patients were admitted to general wards instead of our standard elective ring-fenced orthopaedic ward. Data was collected and analysed for type of surgery, age, sex, length of stay, and ward.

Results

The average length of stay in the general wards was 1.89 days longer (range 3–22 days; p < 0.001) than in the elective orthopaedic ward.

Conclusions

We conclude that losing the ring-fenced ward and admitting elective arthroplasty patients to general wards results in longer length of stay and a financial loss of 6.82 % per hip and knee arthroplasty patient.

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Title: Is it Financially Efficient to Lose the Ring-Fenced Elective Orthopaedic Ward?
Authors: J. Agustin Soler
Sanjiv Manjure
Yegappan Kalairajah
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Applied Health Economics and Health Policy / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1175-5652
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1896
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40258-013-0018-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Is it Financially Efficient to Lose the Ring-Fenced Elective Orthopaedic Ward?

Abstract

Background

Objective

Study Design

Setting

Patients

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Study Design

Setting

Patients

Results

Conclusions

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