Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
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The aims of this study are to develop a cloud-based application of the Fracture Liaison Service for practitioners to coordinate the care of osteoporotic patients after suffering primary fractures and provide a performance feedback portal for practitioners to determine quality of care. The application provides continuity of care, improved patient outcomes, and reduced medical costs. ⋯ The application could spread the FLS model of care across the US health care system, provide continuity of care, effectively manage osteoporotic patients, improve outcomes, and reduce medical costs.
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Delayed discharges represent an inefficient use of acute hospital beds. Social isolation and referral to a public-funded rehabilitation unit were significant predictors of delayed discharges while admission from an institution was a protective factor for older hip fracture patients. Preventing delays could save between 11.2 and 30.7 % of total hospital costs for this patient group. ⋯ High risk of social isolation, social isolation and referral to public-funded rehabilitation units increase delays in patients' discharges from acute care hospitals.