The Phenotype of Patients with a Recent Fracture: A Literature Survey of the Fracture Liaison Service.
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ABSTRACT: The aetiology of fractures in patients aged 50 years and older is multifactorial, and includes bone- and fall-related risks. The Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is recommended to identify patients with a recent fracture and to evaluate their subsequent fracture risk, in order to take measures to decrease the risk of subsequent fractures in patients with a high risk phenotype. A literature survey was conducted to describe components of the bone- and fall-related phenotype of patients attending the FLS. Components of the patient phenotype at the FLS have been reported in 33 studies. Patient selection varied widely in terms of patient identification, selection, and FLS attendance. Consequently, there was a high variability in FLS patient characteristics, such as mean age (64-80 years), proportion of men (13-30%), and fracture locations (2-51% hip, <1-41% vertebral, and 49-95% non-hip, non-vertebral fractures). The studies also varied in the risk evaluation performed. When reported, there was a highly variability in the percentage of patients with osteoporosis (12-54%), prevalent vertebral fractures (20-57%), newly diagnosed contributors to secondary osteoporosis and metabolic bone disorders (3-70%), and fall-related risk factors (60-84%). In FLS literature, we found a high variability in patient selection and risk evaluation, resulting in a highly variable phenotype. In order to specify the bone- and fall related phenotypes at the FLS, systematic studies on the presence and combinations of these risks are needed.
Project description:In this cross-sectional study, two-thirds of Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) patients had comorbidities and medications associated with increased bone- or fall-related fracture risk. Bone-related and fall-related fracture risk (BRR and FRR) were associated with age and fracture type, but not with gender or BMD. Systematic evaluation of these factors leads to a more profound assessment in FLS care. INTRODUCTION:This study is a systematic evaluation of comorbidities and medications associated with increased fracture risk in patients aged 50-90 years with a recent fracture visiting the FLS. METHODS:In this cross-sectional cohort study, comorbidities were classified according to ICD-10 and medications according to the Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and further categorized into those associated BRR and FRR. RESULTS:Of 1282 patients (72% women; 65 ± 9 years), 53% had at least one BRR, 46% had at least one FRR, and 66% at least one BRR and/or FRR. At least one BRR, as well as at least one FRR were associated with age, BMI, and fracture type, but not with gender or BMD. The proportion of patients with only BRR (± 20%) or only FRR (± 10%) was similar among ages, gender, BMI, fracture type, and BMD. The combination of at least one BRR and at least one FRR was significantly associated with age, BMI, and major fractures, but not with gender or BMD. CONCLUSION:Comorbidities and medications associated with increased fracture risk are present in two-thirds of patients visiting the FLS. In addition, the proportion of patients having a combination of BRR and FRR increased significantly with age, BMI, and fracture severity. This indicates that systematic evaluation of these factors is important for a more profound assessment of subsequent fracture risk in FLS care.
Project description:This study explored the course of health state utility value over 3 years in patients with a recent fracture attending a Fracture Liaison Service and suggested that the overall change in health-related quality of life was not significant, although significant improvements were observed at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline.IntroductionTo estimate the 3-year health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with a recent fracture presenting at a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) and to explore factors associated with health state utility value (HSUV).MethodsPatients' HSUVs were derived from the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D and calculated at six time points. Multiple imputation was applied for missing data. Linear mixed-effects regression analysis with random intercept and slope was applied to explore the course of HSUV over 3 years. The impact of subsequent fracture and the length of time between FLS visit and patients' index fracture on HSUV were also investigated. A backward stepwise elimination was applied to identify factors associated with HSUV.ResultsA total of 499 patients were included. The change of EQ-5D HSUV was not significant over 3-year follow-up (P = 0.52), although slightly but significantly higher HSUV was captured at 6 months (mean difference (MD): 0.015, P = 0.02) and 12 months (MD: 0.018, P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the course of EQ-5D HSUV between fracture locations (P = 0.86). A significant increase in HSUV was only captured for patients had shorter time period (< 107 days) between FLS visit and their index fracture. Suffering a subsequent fracture was associated with significant QoL loss (MD: - 0.078, P < 0.001). Subsequent fracture, previous treatment with anti-osteoporosis medication, a prevalent vertebral fracture (grade 2 or 3), use of a walking aid, previous falls, and higher BMI were negatively associated with mean EQ-5D HSUV over 3 years. Comparable results were found using SF-6D HSUV. The lack of HRQoL data immediately after fracture and selection bias were two main limitations.ConclusionThe 3-year change in HSUV was not statistically significant, although significant improvements were observed at 6 and 12 months in comparison with baseline. Six factors were negatively associated with EQ-5D HSUV.
Project description:This study describes the development of a decision aid (DA), aimed at supporting patients in their decision whether to start anti-osteoporosis medication. People with recent fractures or osteoporosis and health professionals were supportive of the DA initiative. An experimental study been started to assess (cost-)effectiveness of the DA.PurposeAt fracture liaison services (FLS), patients with a recent fracture ánd osteoporosis or a prevalent vertebral fracture are advised to start anti-osteoporosis medication (AOM). This study describes the development of a decision aid (DA) to support patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) in their decision about whether to start AOM.MethodsThe DA was developed according to International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS). A systematic procedure was chosen including scope, design, prototype development, and alpha testing. A previously developed DA for women with osteoporosis was used as a basis. Furthermore, input from literature searches, the Dutch guideline on management of osteoporosis, and from people with a fracture or osteoporosis was used. The updated DA was evaluated during alpha testing.ResultsThe DA facilitates the decision of patients whether to initiate AOM treatment and provides information on fractures and osteoporosis, general risk factors that increase the likelihood of a subsequent fracture, the role of lifestyle, personalized risk considerations of a subsequent fracture with and without AOM treatment, and AOM options and their characteristics in an option grid. Alpha testing with 15 patients revealed that patient preferences and needs were adequately presented, and several suggestions for improvement (e.g. adding more specific information, simplifying terminology, improving icon use) were accounted for. Participants from the alpha testing recommended use of the DA during outpatient visits.ConclusionProfessionals and persons with osteoporosis were supportive of the proposed DA and its usability. The DA could help in a shared decision-making process between patients and HCPs.
Project description:Objectivesto evaluate orthogeriatric and nurse-led fracture liaison service (FLS) models of post-hip fracture care in terms of impact on mortality (30 days and 1 year) and second hip fracture (2 years).SettingHospital Episode Statistics database linked to Office for National Statistics mortality records for 11 acute hospitals in a region of England.Populationpatients aged over 60 years admitted for a primary hip fracture from 2003 to 2013.Methodseach hospital was analysed separately and acted as its own control in a before-after time-series design in which the appointment of an orthogeriatrician or set-up/expansion of an FLS was evaluated. Multivariable Cox regression (mortality) and competing risk survival models (second hip fracture) were used. Fixed effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates of impact for interventions of the same type.Resultsof 33,152 primary hip fracture patients, 1,288 sustained a second hip fracture within 2 years (age and sex standardised proportion of 4.2%). 3,033 primary hip fracture patients died within 30 days and 9,662 died within 1 year (age and sex standardised proportion of 9.5% and 29.8%, respectively). The estimated impact of introducing an orthogeriatrician on 30-day and 1-year mortality was hazard ratio (HR) = 0.73 (95% CI: 0.65-0.82) and HR = 0.81 (CI: 0.75-0.87), respectively. Following an FLS, these associations were as follows: HR = 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71-0.91) and HR = 0.84 (0.77-0.93). There was no significant impact on time to second hip fracture.Conclusionsthe introduction and/or expansion of orthogeriatric and FLS models of post-hip fracture care has a beneficial effect on subsequent mortality. No evidence for a reduction in second hip fracture rate was found.
Project description:Fracture Liaison Services are recommended to deliver best practice in secondary fracture prevention. This modified Delphi survey, as part of the iFraP (Improving uptake of Fracture Prevention drug Treatments) study, provides consensus regarding tasks for clinicians in a model Fracture Liaison Service consultation.PurposeThe clinical consultation is of pivotal importance in addressing barriers to treatment adherence. The aim of this study was to agree to the content of the 'model Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) consultation' within the iFraP (Improving uptake of Fracture Prevention drug Treatments) study.MethodsA Delphi survey was co-designed with patients and clinical stakeholders using an evidence synthesis of current guidelines and content from frameworks and theories of shared decision-making, communication and medicine adherence. Patients with osteoporosis and/or fragility fractures, their carers, FLS clinicians and osteoporosis specialists were sent three rounds of the Delphi survey. Participants were presented with potential consultation content and asked to rate their perception of the importance of each statement on a 5-point Likert scale and to suggest new statements (Round 1). Lowest rated statements were removed or amended after Rounds 1 and 2. In Round 3, participants were asked whether each statement was 'essential' and percentage agreement calculated; the study team subsequently determined the threshold for essential content.ResultsSeventy-two, 49 and 52 patients, carers and clinicians responded to Rounds 1, 2 and 3 respectively. One hundred twenty-two statements were considered. By Round 3, consensus was reached, with 81 statements deemed essential within FLS consultations, relating to greeting/introductions; gathering information; considering therapeutic options; eliciting patient perceptions; establishing shared decision-making preferences; sharing information about osteoporosis and treatments; checking understanding/summarising; and signposting next steps.ConclusionsThis Delphi consensus exercise has summarised for the first time patient/carer and clinician consensus regarding clearly defined tasks for clinicians in a model FLS consultation.
Project description:Shared decision-making (SDM) aims to improve patients' experiences with care, treatment adherence, and health outcomes. However, the effectiveness of SDM in patients with a recent fracture who require anti-osteoporosis medication (AOM) is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent adherence intervention (MCAI) including a patient decision aid (PDA) and motivational interviewing at Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) on multiple outcomes compared with usual care (UC). This pre-post superiority study included patients with a recent fracture attending FLS and with AOM treatment indication. The primary outcome was 1-year AOM persistence measured by pharmacy records. Secondary outcomes included treatment initiation, AOM adherence (measured by medication possession ratio [MPR]), decision quality (SDM process; 0-100, best), and decisional conflict (0-100, highest conflict), subsequent fractures, and mortality. Outcomes were tested in MCAI and UC groups at the first FLS visit and 4 and 12 months afterwards. Multiple imputation and uni- and multivariable analyses were performed. Post hoc analyses assessed the role of health literacy level. In total, 245 patients (MCAI: n = 136, UC: n = 109) were included. AOM persistence was 80.4% in the MCAI and 76.7% in the UC group (p=.626). SDM process scores were significantly better in MCAI (60.4 vs 55.1; p = .003). AOM initiation (97.8% vs 97.5%), MPR (90.9% vs 88.3%, p=.582), and decisional conflict (21.7 vs 23.0; p = .314) did not differ between groups. Results did not change importantly after adjustment. Stratified analyses by health literacy showed a better effect on MPR and SDM in those with adequate health literacy. This study showed no significant effect on AOM persistence; however, it demonstrated a significant positive effect of MCAI on SDM process in FLS attendees. (Netherlands Trial Registry, Trial NL7236 [NTR7435]; version 1.0; 26-11-2020 https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/22858).
Project description:Fracture liaison services (FLS) are an accepted approach to lowering rates of osteoporotic refractures. However, resource allocations to FLS are open to challenge, as most relevant cost analyses are based on anticipated, rather than observed, benefits. To support informed decision making, we have estimated the cost of operating an FLS, from the perspective of the Australian health system, with real life costs. On the basis of hospital records, we compared total costs of two cohorts of patients presenting with minimal trauma fractures (MTFs) at two hospital emergency departments (EDs) across a 6-month period (July to December 2010). The treatment cohort (FLS Cohort, n = 515) attended an ED at a hospital offering FLS post-fracture care; the Usual Care Cohort (n = 416) attended an ED at a hospital without an FLS. Hospital records were reviewed for further attendance of both groups at their respective hospitals' EDs with refractures for the subsequent 3 years. Costs were constructed from "bottom up" with a "microcosting" approach. Total costs for both cohorts included any FLS and the costs of refractures. Cohort costs were estimated for every 1000 patients over the 3 observed years. Compared with the Usual Care Cohort, the FLS Cohort had 62 fewer fractures per 1000 patients and $617,275 lower costs over 3 years. In a sensitivity analysis, where 20% of the Usual Care Cohort received FLS preventative treatment, FLS Cohort costs were lower by $880,154. As both hospitals consistently process around 2000 patients per year, the estimated annual saving is $1.2 million to $1.8 million (Australian dollars). From the perspective of the Australian public health system, investment in FLS can be a financially effective way of reducing the cost of osteoporotic fracture management.
Project description:Subsequent fracture rates and associated mortality were compared before and after the introduction of fracture liaison service (FLS). In 100,198 women and men, FLS was associated with 13% and 10% lower risk of subsequent fragility fractures and 18% and 15% lower mortality. The study suggests that FLS may prevent fractures.PurposeEfficient fracture prevention strategies are warranted to control the global fracture burden. We investigated the effect of a standardized fracture liaison service (FLS) intervention on subsequent fracture risk and mortality.MethodsThe NoFRACT study was designed as a multicenter, pragmatic, register-supported, stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial. The FLS intervention was introduced in three clusters with 4-month intervals starting May 2015 through December 2018 and included evaluation of osteoporosis and treatment in patients over 50 years with a low-energy fracture. Based on data from the Norwegian Patient Registry, patients with index fractures were assigned to the control period (2011-2015) or intervention period (2015-2018) depending on the time of fracture. Rates of subsequent fragility fractures (distal forearm, proximal humerus, or hip) and all-cause mortality were calculated.ResultsA total of 100,198 patients (mean age 69.6 years) suffered an index fracture of any type. During a maximum follow-up of 4.7 years, 11% (6948) of the women and 6% (2014) of the men experienced a subsequent fragility fracture, and 20% (14,324) of the women and 22% (8,326) of the men died. FLS was associated with 13% lower subsequent fragility fracture risk in women (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.83-0.92) and 10% in men (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.81-0.99) and 18% lower mortality in women (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.79-0.86) and 15% in men (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81-0.89).ConclusionA standardized FLS intervention was associated with a lower risk of subsequent fragility fractures and mortality and may contribute to reduce the global fracture burden.