IHFD What we measure

In 2018, the IHFD National Report 2017 marks a departure from the traditional Blue Book Standards (British Orthopaedic Association, 2007). As the IHFD has evolved, so too has the way we measure our hip fracture care in Ireland. From now on, the standards of care will be called the Irish Hip Fracture Standards (IHFS), as determined by the Irish Hip Fracture Database Governance Committee.

This timely change will coincide with the introduction of a pilot Best Practice Tariff (BPT) for hip fractures, the focus of which will be eight core measures, six clinical measures, and two data quality and governance measures.

Irish Hip Fracture Standards (IHFS)
IHFS 1: All patients with hip fracture should be admitted to an acute orthopaedic ward within four hours of presentation or brought directly to the theatre from the emergency department (ED) within four hours.
IHFS 2: All patients with hip fracture who are medically fit should have surgery within 48 hours of admission, and during normal working hours (Monday to Sunday, 08:00–17:59 hours).
IHFS 3: All patients with hip fracture should be assessed and cared for with a view to minimising their risk of developing a pressure ulcer.
IHFS 4: All patients presenting with a fragility fracture should be managed on an orthopaedic ward, with routine access to acute orthogeriatric medical support from the time of admission.
IHFS 5: All patients presenting with a fragility fracture should be assessed to determine their need for therapy to prevent future osteoporotic fractures.
IHFS 6: All patients presenting with a fragility fracture following a fall should be offered multidisciplinary assessment and intervention to prevent future falls.
Minimum data coverage of 90% annually is required by individual hospitals.
Evidence of a local Hip Fracture Governance Committee (HFGC) must be present in each hospital.
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