Do all adult orthopaedic injuries seen in emergency departments need to attend fracture clinic? A Queensland multicentred review

• DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.12811
• Publication Date: 2017-06-01T23:16:42Z
• Authors: Aidan Cleary; Robert Zeller; Chris Maguire; Shyan Goh; Nick Shortt
• Keywords: Care pathway; Health Professionals

Abstract Objective Musculoskeletal injuries account for a significant proportion of ED presentations annually, with large percentage being referred to the fracture clinic ( FC ). A literature review found that many referrals could be safely managed outside traditional model care. The present study aims all adult FCs at two Queensland metropolitan hospitals, finding low‐risk can and appropriately by their general practitioner GP ) or allied health professionals AHPs ), potentially affording savings system. Methods retrospective Logan Redland Hospitals was undertaken, reviewing patients (≥16 years) over an eight week period. Injuries were categorised into those requiring care supervised orthopaedic surgeon (fracture pathway) GPs , aid evidence‐based, protocol‐driven guidelines known as primary pathway (PCP). Results total 1367 period, whom 546 (40%) assessed suitable candidates PCP . Hospital accounted 65% ‐suitable patients, whereas 35%. Failure‐to‐attend rates significantly higher P < 0.001) in compared other attending Conclusion Adopting reduce 40%. Having structured has potential empower professionals, which result more streamlined process aids time financial maintains good patient satisfaction outcomes.