The Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility (HABAM): a useful tool to estimate length of hospital stay following hip and knee replacement

Abstract

Background/Aims The Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility is a measure of balance and mobility that can detect recovery of physical function, and can be used to identify patients at risk of delayed discharge. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility scores as a predictor of length of hospital stay in patients following hip and knee replacement. Methods Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility scores were collected on 191 patients following primary total joint replacement. Regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility and length of stay. Results Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility scores of <31 on the first post-operative day predicted longer than mean length of stay (4 days) with sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 83%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that a Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility score of 50 was the optimal cut-off point for discharge. Conclusions Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility offers a practical way to quantify and objectively track patients' physical function, and can help identify patients at risk of an increased length of stay on post-operative day one.