The effect of a multidisciplinary co-management program for the older hip fracture patients in Beijing: a "pre- and post-" retrospective study.

Hip fracture becomes a major public health issue with the growing aging population. This study evaluated a multidisciplinary co-management program for older hip fracture patients and found it significantly improved the best practice indicators. It provided preliminary evidence to support the use of such intervention in hip fracture management.

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture leads to high morbidity and mortality in older people. A previous study found a significant disparity in hip fracture management in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital (JSTH) compared to best practice care in the United Kingdom (UK). Following this audit, JSTH launched a multidisciplinary co-management care plan for older hip fracture patients. This study aims to evaluate the effect of this program on the six standards recommended in the UK hip fracture best practice guidelines.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, electronic medical record data were collected before and after the intervention. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 65 years, had X-ray confirmed hip fracture, and were admitted to JSTH within 30 days of injury. Patient demographic information, time from emergency department presentation to admission, time from admission to surgery, pressure ulcers, osteoporosis assessment, and falls prevention were collected. Multivariable logistic and median regression models were used for binary and continuous outcomes respectively. Segment regression was also performed for time-related outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 3540 eligible patients were identified. After the intervention, half of the patients who received co-management received surgery within 48 h of ward admission compared to 6.4% previously, 0.3% (vs 1.4%) developed pressure ulcers, and 76% (vs 19%) received osteoporosis assessment. No significant differences were observed in fall assessment rates. However, there was a higher rate of ward admission within 4 h of arrival in emergency for patients admitted pre-intervention (61% vs 34%).

CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of the co-management model significantly reduced the time from admission to surgery and improved other practice outcomes. A multicenter randomized controlled trial is needed to evaluate the impact of this model on patient health outcomes.