An Audit of the Fifth Irish Hip Fracture Standard in patients >=70 years following hip fracture

Abstract

Background Hip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Bone health assessment is key in the reduction of future fracture risk. The aim of our study was to examine the adherence to the fifth Irish Hip Fracture Standard in patients >=70 years presenting to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) with a hip fracture and to examine the number of patients who were commenced on bone protection. Methods We included patients >=70 years who were admitted under the Orthopaedic service following a hip fracture between January and June 2023 in LUH and were identified the database maintained by the using Fracture Liaison Nurse. Data collected included age, month in which hip fracture occurred, patient resident in Ireland, patient alive/deceased, patient on bone protection prior to fracture, patient commenced on bone protection or patient declined treatment. Data was recorded in a Microsoft excel spreadsheet and was analysed by the clinical audit facilitator. We measured our data against the British Geriatric Society guideline on the use of IV zoledronate following hip fracture. Results 76 patients were admitted to LUH with a hip fracture >=70 years between January and June 2023. 100% of patients were reviewed by the fracture liaison service and following this it was recommended that 46 patients (60%) be commenced on bone protection. A letter was sent to each patient’s General Practitioner outlining the recommendation for bone protection. On follow up only 7/46 (15.2%) had been started on treatment. Conclusion The fracture liaison service is appropriately identifying patients who require treatment, despite this, patients are not starting the necessary bone protection in the community. This has prompted our service to establish an IV zoledronate clinic for patients following hip fracture and to generate a plan for ongoing treatment of this patient cohort.