Hip Fractures in Chile: Implications for Public Health Policy and Healthcare Delivery

Hip fractures in individuals aged 60 and above pose significant challenges in terms of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. While countries like the United Kingdom and Australia have optimized their healthcare systems for timely management of hip fractures, the situation in Chile presents distinct challenges due to its mixed healthcare system. This study aims to assess survival rates following hip fractures in Chile and identify associated risk factors using national databases from 2012 to 2018. A comprehensive analysis of 35,520 patients revealed that factors such as age, type of health insurance, access to surgery, and treatment in public hospitals significantly influence mortality rates after hip fractures. The study found that patients with hip fractures experience lower 5-year survival rates compared to the general population, particularly when affiliated with public insurance and treated in public institutions. Modifiable factors like delayed surgery and prolonged hospital stays contribute to increased mortality rates. The findings underscore the urgent need for optimized public health policies and healthcare delivery systems to enhance outcomes for hip fracture patients in Chile.Hip fractures in individuals aged 60 and above pose significant challenges in terms of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. While countries like the United Kingdom and Australia have optimized their healthcare systems for timely management of hip fractures, the situation in Chile presents distinct challenges due to its mixed healthcare system. This study aims to assess survival rates following hip fractures in Chile and identify associated risk factors using national databases from 2012 to 2018.