The aim of the Leicestershire Fracture Index is to bring together data from routine sources: inpatient, outpatient and A&E, into a single patient-centred database and in so doing promote the use of outpatient systems. The index should then be able to provide accurate information on incidence and outcomes and hence be a reliable foundation for audit, a basis for estimating needs and activities and a sampling frame for research. The development is particularly timely in view of the increased sophistication of contract specification with a move from simple speciality totals to detailed service provision and the introduction of effectiveness and outcome measures for outpatient services.
References
1.
Johansen A, Evans RJ, Stone MD, Richmond PW, Lo SV, Woodhouse KW. Fracture incidence in England and Wales: a study based on the population of Cardiff. Injury!1997; 28: 655-660.
2.
Singer BR, McLauchlin GJ, Robinson CM, Christie J.Epidemiology of fractures in 15000 adults. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery1998; 80B: 243-248.
3.
Donaldson LJ, Cook A, Thomson RG. Incidence of fractures in a geographically defined population. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health1990; 44: 241-245.
