DHB service aims to reduce fractures in falls

There is evidence that falls in older people can be prevented

The Hawke's Bay District Health Board is forming a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) to reduce injuries from falls which in a recent financial year cost more than $6.5 million.

DHB spokeswoman Allison Stevenson said the 2012-13 financial year highlighted the need for the service which has the potential to dramatically decrease falls numbers.

"That year 303 people aged over 50 years were admitted to Hawke's Bay Hospital with a fracture of the femur incurring an estimated annual cost of more than $6.5 million," she said.

"The Ministry of Health's expectation is that the DHB establish an FLS to improve the quality of service and reduce costs through a reduction in unscheduled admissions for hips and other fragility fractures.

"The service will seek to identify patients who have suffered a fragility fracture and attempt to prevent it happening again. This adds up to an opportunity to intervene in half of all potential cases of hip fracture in the future."

The new service's imminent arrival coincides with the Health Quality and Safety Commission's six-month patient safety campaign focus beginning with April Falls Awareness Month.

The FLS will be staffed by a clinical nurse specialist and a geriatrician, and they will have the ability to access up to 400 bone density scans and a similar number of pharmaceutical packages valued at nearly $300 per person.

"Bone density scanning is an enhanced form of X-ray technology used to measure

osteoporosis, which is bone loss," Mrs Stevenson said. "Research tells us that less than 25 per cent of fragility fracture patients have been routinely referred for a bone density test after fracture, and many haven't been prescribed osteoporosis medication.

"The FLS will help to address those statistics.

"Ideally when a falls patient leaves us they will have had a future falls risk assessment, been provided with osteoporosis treatment if needed, and given exercise and education programmes.

"Their future management plan will also be comprehensively communicated to their GP."

Mrs Stevenson said the primary goal was "reduction in the current hip fracture rate".

"There is evidence that falls in older people can be prevented. Over the next six months the DHB will support the drive to help consumers and health professionals learn more about steps to take so our older people can stay safe and independent."