An evidence-based approach to improving outcomes and reducing hospital-acquired complications in patients with rib fractures

Rib fractures are painful and prevent normal breathing. The incidence of rib fractures in Australia has increased by 5% since 2008, and causes more than 35,000 hospital admissions a year 1. Failure to effectively treat just one single rib fracture frequently causes three leading hospital-acquired complications: pneumonia, respiratory failure and unplanned intensive care (ICU) admissions. These outcomes result in patient suffering and unnecessarily high (and reducible) health-care costs 2. This translational research study will test a sustainable and evidence-based bundle of care to reduce hospital-acquired complications associated with poorly managed rib fractures, and improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.