Description
This is a presentation by Jan-Erik Gjertsen at a symposium, focusing on the critical topic of time to surgery for hip fracture patients. He begins by highlighting the importance of the symposium and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak in Edinburgh. Gjertsen addresses the high mortality rates associated with hip fractures, citing research that indicates a one-year mortality rate of 20-25%. The discussion revolves around the timing of surgical intervention, questioning whether the best measure is from fracture to surgery, diagnosis to surgery, or admission to surgery. He emphasizes that surgery within 48 hours is ideal but stresses the importance of patient care during the wait, mentioning pain relief methods like femoral blocks.
Throughout the talk, Gjertsen refers to numerous studies, particularly from Denmark and Norway, demonstrating that longer waiting times correlate with increased mortality and complications. He illustrates how many patients in Norway receive treatment within 48 hours but acknowledges that some experience longer delays, especially in remote areas. The speech further discusses the importance of optimizing surgical timing, balancing urgency with the necessary care before surgery.
Gjertsen also highlights that hospital practices greatly vary, with some institutions performing poorly in timely surgical interventions. To ensure patients are treated effectively, he urges for correct prioritization and underscores the necessity of collaborating with anesthetists to prepare patients for swift surgery. He concludes by affirming that time to surgery is crucial, advocating for treating patients promptly while ensuring safe surgical conditions, and acknowledging the ongoing need for improvements in the system.