Fragility Fracture and Orthogeriatric Nursing: Holistic Care and Management of the Fragility Fracture and Orthogeriatric Patient

This second edition, in Open Access, aims to provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the knowledge required for the assessment and management of the older adult with or at risk of fragility fracture, with additional focus on those who are frail. The concept of orthogeriatric care is explored in detail, and global estimates suggest that there were 21 million men and 137 million women aged 50 years or more at high fracture risk in 2010. Fragility fracture is one of the foremost challenges for health care providers, and the global demand for nursing care for patients with fragility fractures across the world is immense. Hip fracture is particularly challenging as these significant injuries often occur in frail older people requiring hospitalisation and orthopaedic surgery. Care providers need to understand the experience of fragility fracture from the perspective of patients and families so that direct improvements in care can be based on the perspectives of the users. Nurses have a significant role in interdisciplinary collaborative care provided through orthogeriatric models of care, and there is increasing evidence that such models significantly improve patient outcomes.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 307 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This second edition, in Open Access, aims to provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the knowledge required for the assessment and management of the older adult with or at risk of fragility fracture, with additional focus on those who are frail. It considers this from the perspectives of all the clinical and home care settings in which this group of patients receive care and is relevant to all global locations. The concept of orthogeriatric care is explored in detail.

Global estimates suggest that there were 21 million men and 137 million women aged 50 years or more at high fracture risk in 2010. This incidence is expected to double by 2040, with the most significant increase in Asia. Fragility fracture is one of the foremost challenges for health care providers and the global demand for nursing care for patients with fragility fractures across the world is immense. Hip fracture is particularly challenging as these significant injuries often occur in frail older people requiring hospitalization and orthopaedic surgery. Such injuries and associated surgery result in increased frailty, worsening health and wellbeing, pain, disability, reduced quality of life, loss of independence, and decreased life expectancy. Care providers need to understand the experience of fragility fracture from the perspective of patients and families so that direct improvements in care can be based on the perspectives of the users.

Expert care of patients following fractures that require hospitalization and orthopaedic surgery involves skill in the care and treatment of frail older people as well as individuals with an injury and undergoing surgery. Nurses have a significant role in interdisciplinary collaborative care provided through orthogeriatric models of care. There is increasing evidence that the implementation of orthogeriatric models of care in hospitals can lead to improved outcomes for patients with hip fracture. Orthogeriatric models of care involve the collaboration of geriatricians, orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients with hip fracture. These models of care aim to improve patient outcomes by addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of patients.

One of the key components of orthogeriatric models of care is the assessment of frailty. Frailty is a common condition in older adults that is characterized by a reduction in physical function, weakness, and increased vulnerability to adverse events. Frailty assessment is essential for identifying patients who are at high risk of fracture and for developing a care plan that addresses their specific needs. In addition to frailty assessment, orthogeriatric models of care also involve the management of pain and disability. Pain and disability are common complications of hip fracture and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Orthogeriatric models of care involve the use of pain management techniques, such as pain medication and physical therapy, to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Orthogeriatric models of care also involve the management of other complications, such as falls and delirium. Falls are a common risk factor for hip fracture and can lead to serious injury and hospitalization. Orthogeriatric models of care involve the use of fall prevention strategies, such as the use of bed rails and mobility aids, to reduce the risk of falls. Delirium is a common complication of hip fracture and can lead to confusion, disorientation, and increased risk of falls. Orthogeriatric models of care involve the use of delirium prevention strategies, such as the use of medication and environmental interventions, to reduce the risk of delirium.

In conclusion, the care of patients following fractures that require hospitalization and orthopaedic surgery involves skill in the care and treatment of frail older people as well as individuals with an injury and undergoing surgery. Orthogeriatric models of care are an effective way to improve patient outcomes by addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of patients with hip fracture. By implementing orthogeriatric models of care, healthcare providers can improve the quality of life of patients with hip fracture and reduce the risk of complications and hospital readmissions.

Weight: 752g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031334832
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2024