Early discharge after hip arthroplasty with home support: experience at a UK District General Hospital.

One hundred and thirty-eight consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroplasty and accelerated discharge at our institution over 6 months were reviewed. Our protocol included transfer to a dedicated home support team. No minimal incision techniques or special anaesthetic/analgesic techniques were used. 66% of patients having primary joint replacements went home by the third post operative day and 91% by the fourth day. Re-admission rates were under 1% whilst under the care of the home support team. Patient satisfaction was high. 94% said they would use the service again. This protocol has saved over 1500 bed days per year whilst maintaining standards of care.