Factors associated with the successful removal of indwelling urinary catheters post-operatively in the fragility hip fracture patient.

INTRODUCTION: Patients presenting to hospital with a fragility hip fracture are routinely catheterized in the emergency department. Studies have found that the duration of catheterization is the greatest and most important risk factor for developing a urinary tract infection. Whilst there is a considerable body of evidence around correct techniques for insertion of urinary catheters, there appears to be little evidence as to the timing of their removal. AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe the current practice of indwelling catheter (IDC) removal post operatively in the fragility hip fracture patient and to identify factors associated with the successful removal of IDCs post operatively in the same cohort of patients. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients admitted to a large, tertiary hospital with an established ortho-geriatric model of care. RESULTS: Aperient regime was the only factor that appeared to have a significant impact on the successful IDC removal. The patient commenced on the aperient regime was three times more likely to have an unsuccessful IDC removal than the patient on a limited or no aperient regime. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for redesigning care that is patient focused, evidence-based, effective and efficient. The argument that a patient's bowel is required to be emptied prior to the successful removal of an IDC appears to be false, as in this study it was not identified as a predictor of successful IDC removal. A prospective clinical trial may be the next step forward in developing a clinical guideline for the successful removal of IDCs in the fragility hip fracture patient and/or surgical patient. Nurses have a crucial role to play in contributing to evidence-based practice and are continually challenged to do so.

Improving follow-up after fragility fractures: an evidence-based initiative.

BACKGROUND: Patients with fragility fractures are at risk for recurrent fractures and are at risk for inadequate follow up. Prevention of future fractures through appropriate follow-up can decrease annual healthcare expenditures and patient morbidity and mortality. PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to delineate an evidence-based practice initiative at a university health center to improve patient follow-up care after fragility fractures. METHODS: A review of the literature revealed significant evidence calling for notification of the patients' primary care provider, ordering a bone density scan within 3 months, and a referral to osteoporosis. A plan for improving patient outcomes was developed utilizing the iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care. The evidence-based initiative was implemented, and the outcomes were assessed. OUTCOME: The results were that 100% of patients received adequate follow-up after fragility fractures.

Improving osteoporosis assessment in the fracture clinic.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different ways of referring patients to an osteoporosis assessment service at an orthopaedic fracture clinic of a hospital in the UK. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three methods of identifying and referring to an osteoporosis assessment service were evaluated. RESULTS: Relying on doctors for such a referral gave a catchment rate of only 1.6%. Involving patients themselves, asking them to self-refer, increased the catchment rate to 63% (P < 0.0001). Having a specialist osteoporosis and fracture liaison nurse present in clinic and reviewing the notes of patients checking in, to see if they match criteria for osteoporosis assessment, further increased catchment to 77% (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Simply having an osteoporosis assessment service and strict criteria to identify which patients should be referred to such a service will not necessarily increase catchment rate for osteoporosis patients. A nurse physically present in the clinic provided the best result, and supports the need of investing in an osteoporosis and fracture liaison nurse.

Surgical interventions for cancer patients with impending or actual pathologic fractures.

Oncology patients are at risk of developing bone metastases that frequently result in destructive lesions of the skeleton. Treatment options for patients diagnosed with metastatic bone disease depend on the primary cancer site, presence of pain, and fracture risk. Typically, surgical intervention is the best form of management for impending or actual pathologic fractures of long bones because they are associated with considerable mortality. The purpose of this clinical article is to describe the pathogenesis of bone metastases and review the clinical presentation and evaluation. The surgical management of impending and actual pathologic fractures is reviewed with an emphasis on evaluating the risks and benefits associated with the surgical treatment of the femur. Nursing implications for patient assessment, monitoring, and education to minimize the risk of postoperative complications are presented.

A fracture liaison service for patients with osteoporotic fractures.

A fracture liaison service, led by a specialist nurse, has been set up in one trust to offer an assessment for osteoporosis to all men and women over 50 with new fractures. The aim is to identify those who have osteoporosis because they are at greatest risk of further fractures. The service delivers strategies to reduce future fracture risk, targeted at those patients at highest risk.

Metastatic compression fractures--vertebroplasty for pain control.

Quality of life issues remain at the forefront for individuals with life-threatening disease, such as metastatic cancer. The pain of metastatic bone cancer can severely hamper an individual's quality of life. Percutaneous vertebroplasty offers a minimally invasive way to reinforce bony elements, provide substantial improvement in pain control, allow for mobilization, and overall improve quality of life in these patients.