AB163. SOH24AB_153. Neck of femur fractures: an audit of Irish hip fracture database standards of care

Background: The Irish hip fracture database (IHFD) has seven standards of care for neck of femur fractures. Sixteen hospitals across Ireland participate in the survey annually. These standards are in place to maximize recovery and rehabilitation after these injuries. The main objective of this audit was to review all cases of neck of femur fracture admitted to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) in June and July 2023. This audit will be pertaining to standard 2 (surgery within 48 hours) and to determine the compliance with this standard and the reason if any as to why this standard wasn’t achieved.

Methods: An ongoing perspective audit was carried out between the months of June and July in UHL. Data were collected on patients admitted to UHL with a neck of femur fracture. The only population excluded from this study were patients below the age of 60 years as per IHFD guidelines.

Results: There were 31 hip fractures eligible for inclusion in June 2023 and 21 hip fractures in July 2023. A total number of 52 hip fractures for this period, of which 18 of the patients were male and 34 were female. Only 56% of patients had surgery within 48 hours. Issues with anticoagulation delayed surgery in 17% of cases. In 24% of cases, there was no documentation in the notes pertaining to the delay.

Conclusions: This audit shows the lack of compliance with the IHFD guidelines in UHL. The national average in this standard is 78%. This study highlights areas in which the department can improve on.

Keywords: Hip fracture; surgery; orthopaedics; elderly; audit