Predicting discharge location of hip fracture patients; the new discharge of hip fracture patients score

PURPOSE: This paper reports on the development and validity of a new instrument, called the discharge of hip fracture patients score (DHP), that predicts at admission the discharge location in patients living in their own home prior to hip fracture surgery. METHODS: A total of 310 patients aged 50 years and above were included. Risk factors for discharge to an alternative location (DAL) were analysed with a multivariable regression analysis taking the admission variables into account with different weights based on the estimates. The score ranged from 0–100 points. The cut-off point for DAL was calculated using a ROC analysis. Reliability of the DHP was evaluated. RESULTS: Risk factors for DAL were higher age, female gender, dementia, absence of a partner and a limited level of mobility. The cut-off point was set at 30 points, with a sensitivity of 83.8%, a specificity of 64.7% and positive predictive value of 79.2%. CONCLUSION: The DHP is a valid, simple and short instrument to be used at admission to predict discharge location of hip fracture patients.