Bone Health

Introduction: 

Following the publication of ‘Call to action: A Five nations consensus on the use of intravenous zoledronate after hip fracture,’ Craigavon Area Hospital began offering IV Zoledronic acid (IV Zol) to patients with a fragility neck of femur (NOF) fracture. However, the administration of IV Zol is based on the bone health assessment, vitamin D level, and requires ongoing post-discharge care. An oral bisphosphonate should be started one year after IV Zol administration. This study aimed to analyse whether discharges from Craigavon Area hospital following a NOF fracture had clear instructions for post-discharge care.

Methodology: 

Discharge letters of patients with a NOF fracture from the Trauma Ward between 4/11/24 and 22/12/24 were divided into three groups:

A (Bone health, IV Zoledronic acid and post discharge instructions), B (Bone health and IV Zoledronic acid mentioned but no post discharge instructions given)

C (Bone health, IV Zoledronic acid and post discharge instructions not mentioned). 

These groups were then analysed for potential interventions to improve future discharge letters. The second stage assessed the 4 week period between 14/1/25 and 18/2/25 with the same methodology.

Discussion: 

Only 38% (16) of the 42 discharge letters were included in group A and 37.5% of these contained ambiguous instructions. There were 13 discharge letters in group B and C of which 15% and 38% were discharged during outside of normal working hours respectively. Standardised wording and poster reminders were implemented and the impact reassessed. In the second stage 96% of discharge letters contained a full bone health assessment with follow up instructions.

Conclusion:

This study has highlighted the importance of adequate post discharge care for patients who have received IV Zoledronic acid. Unfortunately, many discharges did not mention the necessary information for GPs so proposals were made to improve ongoing care. The impact has been significant with 96% of letters containing the required information and so these changes will be introduced permanently.

Introduction

Substantial variations remain in hip fracture care delivery across the UK despite established standards and guidelines. We aimed to predict adverse patient outcomes following hip fracture from modifiable hospital-level organisational factors and develop implementation tools to improve national service delivery.

Method

We used a national record-linkage cohort of 178,757 patients (≥60 years) with a hip fracture in England and Wales (2016–19). We linked patient-level hospital admissions, National Hip Fracture Database and mortality data with 231 metrics from 18 hospital-level organisational-level audits and reports. Multilevel models identified organisational factors, independent of patient case-mix, associated with patient outcomes: length of hospital stay, emergency 30-day readmission, 120-day mobility recovery, days in hospital and health costs over 365-days, and mortality (30- and 365-day) in 172 hospitals across England and Wales.

Results

Over one-year patients with mean (SD) age 83 (8.6) years, spent 31.7 (32.1) days in hospital, costing £14,642 (£9,017), and 50,354 (28.2%) died. We identified 46 key organisational factors independently associated with one or more patient outcome, of which 14 were (a) associated with cost and/or bed-day savings over one year, (b) consistently associated with other positive patient outcomes, and (c) potentially modifiable. Factors included weekend physiotherapy provision (mean saving per patient/year: £676 [95%CI:£67-1285]), orthogeriatrician assessment (£529 [£148-910]), direct admission to a hip fracture ward (3.4 [-0.36-7.07]days), regular dissemination of audit data to staff (0.85 [0.30-1.39]days). These data have informed the development of a hospital-specific cost-benefit calculator, with a model business case for service improvement, specialty checklists, audit and ‘how to’ guides for complex care delivery.

Conclusion

All hospitals should try to provide the best available hip fracture care equally across England and Wales. We identified multiple, potentially modifiable, organisational factors associated with important patient outcomes following hip fracture. Our practical and freely-available toolkit should help reduce variation in service delivery.

Introduction:

Mortality after a hip fracture increases compared to the general population. The main objective of this study is to examine the incidence, trends, and factors associated with mortality in patients with osteoporotic hip fractures.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study from a South American hospital. Patients older than 65 years with osteoporotic hip fracture between 2015 and 2018 were identified. Demographic data and comorbidities were obtained. The incidence rate, standardized mortality rate, trend (Poisson regression), and risk (hazard ratio) were calculated.

Results:

A total of 304 patients admitted for osteoporotic hip fracture were found, 240 (79%) were women with a mean age of 81.3 years (SD 8.45) and 64 (22.1%) were men with a mean age of 85. .42 years (SD 10.08). The cumulative incidence of mortality was 72.5%. The annual mortality rate was 75.6/1000 patients/year (54.8 in men and 20.8 in women). The 1-year mortality rate increased significantly by 2% per year (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.002–1.08). Median overall survival was 854 days (95%CI 802-906). The mortality probability density was 18% for women and 27% for men (first 90 days).

Conclusions:

A more significant increase in mortality was observed in men than in women. Institutionalization combined with comorbidities are associated with higher mortality.

Introduction: Turning is essential to mobility, constituting 35-45% of all daily steps. Falls during turning are more severe with 7.9x greater risk of hip fracture. Reduced quality of turning has been observed in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP). Findings suggest head and trunk control during turning are different in PwP compared to controls, however it is unclear how this relates to clinical measures. Methods: 36 PwP completed an intermittent walking task with 180 degree turns (ICICLE-Gait). An inertial measurement unit attached to the head evaluated head rotations (>30 degrees). Turning features were extracted using a validated algorithm. Spatiotemporal (duration, velocity) and signal-based features reflecting movement intensity (root mean square [RMS] in the mediolateral [ML], anterior-posterior [AP] and vertical [VT] planes from the gyroscope) were extracted. Relationships between turning and clinical measures (Activities of Balance confidence (ABC), Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) II and III, Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose (LEDD)) were evaluated using Spearman’s rho. Results: There were 2/6 spatiotemporal and 13/25 signal features with weak-to-moderate correlations with clinical measures. Lower cognition and reduced balance confidence were associated with slower head rotations (rho=0.416-465, p<.05) and lower head movement intensity (lower rms: rho=0.340, p<0.05). higher disease severity (higher mds updrs-ii, iii scores) was associated with slower rotations (rho="-0.322:-0.436," p<0.05) increased ledd greater conclusion: rotation velocity are important features of turning that correlate clinical outcomes relevant in parkinson’s. places a demand on sensory, cognitive motor systems which affected pwp. further analysis will explore whether correlations exist for other segments during (i.e. torso), (such as axial rigidity), gait. 

TITLE: Improving the Practice of Measuring Lying and Standing Blood Pressure Among Nursing Staff at a District General Hospital

INTRODUCTION: 

Postural hypotension is a significant cause of morbidity in the frail and older population, contributing to falls and related injuries. Accurate measurement of lying and standing blood pressure (LSBP) is essential for identifying patients at risk. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to address gaps in LSBP measurement practices among nursing staff by aligning them with Royal College of Physicians (RCP) guidelines. The project sought to raise awareness and improve the accuracy of these measurements, thereby enhancing patient care and safety.

METHODS:

Baseline data was collected from patient notes to assess the accuracy of documented LSBP readings. Additionally, a survey was conducted to evaluate nursing staff’s knowledge of postural hypotension and their interest in further education on the topic. In response, RCP posters detailing correct LSBP measurement techniques were displayed across the wards. Information about these resources was disseminated among the Geriatrics Department, including nurses, junior doctors, registrars, and consultants, and introduced during junior doctors' teaching sessions. To reinforce the practice, placards with measurement reminders were attached to all observation machines. Awareness sessions were concurrently conducted during PDSA cycles to ensure continuous staff engagement and understanding.

RESULTS:

Following two intervention cycles, there was a 50% increase in adherence to the standing BP measurement protocol. Pre-intervention, 66% of respondents were aware of the correct LSBP measurement process, which increased to 100% post-intervention. Additionally, 83% reported knowing where to access further resources on postural hypotension, compared to 44% pre-intervention levels.

CONCLUSION:

The sustained improvement in LSBP measurement compliance demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-faceted interventions, including education, visual prompts, and training. These efforts have facilitated a culture shift in patient management and are expected to improve patient outcomes.

The introduction of a standardised documentation proforma for LSBP measurement is anticipated to further support long-term improvements in this practice.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo in older adults. Due to the high incidence of BPPV in older adults presenting with falls, vestibular assessment, and diagnosis of BPPV and other vestibular disorders has become a recommendation in the World Guidelines for Falls Prevention. There has been a paucity of evidence in well conducted randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate vitamin D for prevention of BPPV recurrence and its relation to falls and function. This is a Phase IIa single centre, placebo controlled, double blind RCT to evaluate vitamin D supplementation together with diet and Canalith Repositioning Procedure [Group A] or diet alone combined with CRP [Gorup B] can reduce recurrence rates of BPPV. Post hoc analyses were performed evaluating BPPV recurrence, falls and function. 53 participants were recruited. 14 were vitamin D replete at baseline [Group C- diet alone], the remaining 39 were randomised into Groups A and B. Group A was associated with 0.75 fewer clinical BPPV recurrences per one person year (IRD -0.75, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.32, P=0.035). Older adults in the study who suffered a fall during the 12 month follow up had lower Activities of Daily Living scores. They also had poorer Short Physical Performance Battery scores at baseline. Participants in Group A had better 5x sit to stand time compared to Group B even accounting for underlying frailty scores. 25% of participants who fell in the 12 month follow up reported fear of falling compared to 43% in those with no falls in the 12 month follow up. Vitamin D supplementation improved physical performance in 5xchair stand test. In this study population, more participants without an incident fall during follow up experience fear of falling, prompting further consideration into the complex concept that is fear of falling.

Introduction: Fracture liaison services (FLS) aim to prevent secondary fractures by ensuring high-quality care to all patients with fragility fractures above 50 years. The standard recommendation by FLS Database (FLS-DB) is to identify 80% of the expected fragility fractures, commencing treatment for 50% and monitoring 80% at 16 weeks and 52 weeks.

Methods: FLS team noted that only 18.4% (n=92) patients were followed at one-year of the total 875 patients identified in the year 2021 (National benchmark=22.3%). Whilst FLS team identified 42.6% (n=1649) patients in the year 2022, an 88% increase as compared to the year 2021. But there was reduction in the one-year follow-up from 18.4% to 13.8% (n=149) in 2022. Quality improvement methodology based on the model of improvement; Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, was used. Process mapping for the existing FLS showed that follow-up was only ad-hoc and not formalised. Our objective was to improve follow-up at one-year.

Results: Process mapping supported the development of a separate clinic code for annual review of patients, led by a geriatrics specialty trainee and supported by the FLS Clinical Lead. The patient lists were drawn from the FLS-DB and new patients booked for one-year follow-up clinic. FLS identified more fragility fracture patients (n=2181, 61.4%) in 2023, a further increase of 32.2% as compared to previous year. Clinical leadership and dedicated one-year follow-up clinic supported improved performance (21.4%, n=310) in the year 2023, which is comparable to the national benchmark (22.2%).

Conclusion: Several challenges were identified including lack of accurate telephone numbers for many patients; patients are transferred to primary care at one-year but there but the is osteoporosis knowledge gap in the community and need for dedicated time for follow-up clinic. This quality initiative has streamlined our follow-up clinics but need dedicated time to meet the service demand and increased capacity.

Introduction

Vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs) are the most prevalent form of osteoporotic fracture, with an incidence of >20% in women >70 years old. While often clinically silent in isolation, VFFs are associated with future osteoporotic fractures, decreased quality of life and an 8-fold increase in age-adjusted mortality.

Radiologists may facilitate early diagnosis of VFFs, allowing for more cost-effective intervention with greater patient outcomes. However, a national audit in 2019 demonstrated widespread failings in the radiological recognition and reporting of VFFs, according to criteria outlined by the Royal Osteoporosis Society. Crucially, only 2% of reports in patients with moderate-severe VFFs recommended referral to Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), compared to the national target of 100%.

Here, we evaluate local VFF recognition and reporting performance, relative to the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) targets.

Methods:

Single-centre retrospective analysis of all CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis scans in >50-year-olds. Two cycles were completed, with implementation of educational posters and a quick-code reporting alert between cycles. The proportion of reports meeting best practice criteria were measured.

The criteria included: assessment of bony integrity (target 100%), correct identification of moderate-severe VFFs (target 90%), use of correct terminology in reports (target 100%), referral of moderate-severe VFFs to the FLS (target 100%).

Results:

Bony integrity was assessed in 100% in both cycles. Identification of moderate-severe VFFs improved from 37% to 64% between cycles. Correct terminology was used in 63% and 56% of reports in the first and second cycles respectively. 0% of patients were recommended for FLS referral in both cycles.

Conclusion:

This audit demonstrates local shortcomings in VFF recognition and reporting. While there was an improvement in identification of VFFs between cycles, RCR targets were still not met post-intervention. This reflects a nation-wide issue in the under-diagnosis.

Introduction:

Neck of femur (NOF) fractures can cause significant morbidity in elderly patients. Adequate pain control is essential for early mobilisation and improved outcomes. Health board prescription protocols exist offering a multi-modal analgesia approach as well as laxatives on the electronic platform (HEPMA). The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to assess adherence to these protocols.

Methods:

Patients over 65 with isolated NOF fractures admitted to trauma wards from ED at a single district general hospital were included. Baseline data was collected from patients admitted between October to December 2023. Post-intervention data collected from April to June 2024. Prescriptions for regular and breakthrough opioids, regular paracetamol and laxatives on admission to the trauma wards were audited. Day 3 and day 5 review of pain and bowel status were also audited.

Intervention:

An information session was delivered at the time of staff change over to senior house officers and junior clinical fellows to ensure they were aware of the NOF fracture analgesia and bowel protocol and available electronic prescribing bundles.

Results:

A total of 169 patients were included. 84 prior to the intervention and 85 post intervention. Prior to the intervention accuracy for regular opioid prescription was 72.6%, PRN 83.3%, laxatives 81.8%, Paracetamol 88.1%. Post intervention respectively 87.1%, 94.1%, 92.9% and 91.9%. We demonstrated statistically significant change (p< 0.05) in regular, PRN opioid and laxative prescribing. No change in paracetamol, Day 3 and 5 pain and bowel reviews was found.

Conclusion:

A positive change in prescribing accuracy was demonstrated. Potential barriers to appropriate analgesia prescribing may be lack of awareness of protocols and hesitancy in prescribing opioids in elderly frail patients. Information sessions will continue to run to ensure appropriate prescribing for NOF patients on admission. Further data will be available following further educational and poster interventions.