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Fragility & Stability Program

Bone & Joint Health Strategic Clinical NetworkTM

 
couple walking together

The Fragility and Stability Program aims to improve bone health and care across Âé¶¹Ó³»­.

It encompasses the full continuum of care ¨C from bone health promotion and prevention of secondary fractures, to hospital and ongoing care following a hip fracture.

Objectives

  • Promote bone health by identifying and treating osteoporosis early
  • Prevent secondary fractures by optimizing bone health and fall prevention
  • Reduce the rate of hip fracture and variability in hip fracture care
  • Provide Âé¶¹Ó³»­ns with the best evidence-based care when fracture occurs
  • Smooth transitions from acute care to restorative care
  • Base restorative care on leading principles

See how this work is contributing to outcome improvements in bone and joint health.

Bone Health Promotion & Fracture Prevention

Catch a Break

A prevention program offered through Health Link and the BJH SCN to help identify osteoporosis early. It identifies Âé¶¹Ó³»­ns who have suffered a low-trauma fragility fracture and encourages them to talk to their doctors about bone health. The goal of the program is to help Âé¶¹Ó³»­ns prevent future bone fractures that may be related to osteoporosis.

Fracture Liaison Service (FLS)

This service aims to reduce the risk of future fractures by optimizing bone health/osteoporosis management and fall prevention strategies, in both acute care and in the community one year post-fracture. Âé¶¹Ó³»­ currently has 8 FLS sites in operation across four Zones, with full provincial implementation expected over the next few years.

Hip Fracture Care Pathway Toolkit

A provincial clinical pathway and toolkit have been developed that guide care of patients who have had a hip fracture. The pathway is evidence-informed and focuses on prevention, acute care and restorative care. The toolkit includes order sets, patient education materials, and assessment tools.

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Hip Fracture - Hospital & Restorative Care

Acute Surgical Pathway (Days 0-7)

Aims to improve care for hip fracture patients by decreasing wait times for surgery and improving their experience throughout their acute care journey.

Progress to date:

  • An evidenced-based, patient-centered pathway has been developed and implemented across Âé¶¹Ó³»­ to improve care outcomes, reduce length of stay, decrease readmission rates, and ultimately decrease mortality.
  • Educational resources for patients/families and providers have been developed to support the pathway implementation.
  • Key performance indicators established for the acute surgical pathway:
  • Target time from fracture to OR ¡Ü 36 hours
  • Early mobilization on post-operative Day 1
  • 75% of patients returning to their previous living environment

Restorative Care Pathway (Days 8-28)

This pathway expands care for hip fracture patients beyond the walls of the hospital and creates a smoother transition for patients by identifying appropriate care at the right time and in the most efficient manner.

Its goal is to support patients¡¯ and families¡¯ needs during care transitions to contribute to better patient care, increased patient and family satisfaction, and reduced caregiver burnout.

Reports