Orthogeriatrics and Hip Fracture Care in the UK: Factors Driving Change to More Integrated Models of Care

Abstract

In the United Kingdom (UK), approximately 80,000 hip fractures each year result in an estimated annual cost of two billion pounds in direct healthcare costs alone. Various models of care exist for collaboration between orthopaedic surgeons and geriatricians in response to the complex medical, rehabilitation, and social needs of this patient group. Mounting evidence suggests that more integrated models of orthogeriatric care result in superior quality of care indicators and clinical outcomes. Clinical governance through national guidelines, audit through the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD), and financial incentives through the Best Practice Tariff (providing a £1335 bonus for each patient) have driven hip fracture care in the UK forward. The demanded improvement in quality indicators has increased the popularity of collaborative care models and particularly integrated orthogeriatric services. A significant fall in 30-day mortality has resulted nationally. Ongoing data collection by the NHFD will lead to greater understanding of the impact of all elements of hip fracture care including models of orthogeriatrics.

Clinical dilemma in the management of an unstable spinal fracture in a frail older patient with multiple comorbidities-conservative versus non-conservative care. A case report

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Reconceptualizing Geriatric Care in a Sub-Saharan African Context

“…These are all factors that account for the rise in the number of the ageing population across the globe, as their standard of living is improved, prolonging their length of stay as active or thriving members of the world's population. Taking into view some common problems that affect the elderly, several reforms have been made in the health system to fend for the needs of the aged, for example, the guidelines put in place by the National Health Service of the United Kingdom towards the care and surgery of aged patients with hip fractures [13]. A multidisciplinary approach to caring for older adults is highly recommended and in the United Kingdom, national guidelines have been published in this regard.…”

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