National Hip Fracture Database

National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) is a UK-based clinical audit designed to improve the care and outcomes for patients who suffer hip fractures. It was established in 2007 as a joint initiative between the British Orthopaedic Association and the British Geriatrics Society. The NHFD aims to facilitate improvements in the quality of care for hip fracture patients by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information on all aspects of their treatment and outcomes.

Background

Hip fractures are a major health concern, particularly among the elderly population, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The establishment of the NHFD was motivated by the recognition of variability in care and outcomes for patients with hip fractures across the UK. By standardizing the collection of data on hip fracture care, the NHFD seeks to identify best practices and encourage their adoption across healthcare providers.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the NHFD are to:

• Monitor the performance of hospitals in managing hip fractures.
• Provide feedback to hospitals to facilitate continuous improvement.
• Identify and disseminate best practices in hip fracture care.
• Enhance patient outcomes and experiences following a hip fracture.

Data Collection and Reporting

The NHFD collects data on various aspects of hip fracture care, including pre-operative assessment, surgical intervention, post-operative care, and outcomes at discharge and beyond. Participating hospitals submit data on each hip fracture patient, which is then analyzed to produce reports on performance against national standards and benchmarks.

Impact

Since its inception, the NHFD has had a significant impact on the care of hip fracture patients in the UK. It has led to improvements in the timeliness and quality of surgical care, increased focus on multidisciplinary care, and better outcomes for patients. The database has also facilitated research into hip fracture care, contributing to the evidence base and informing clinical guidelines.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, the NHFD faces ongoing challenges, including ensuring high levels of participation and data quality, adapting to changes in clinical practice, and expanding its focus to cover the entire patient journey. Future directions for the NHFD may include integrating with other health data sources, enhancing patient and public involvement, and expanding its scope to include prevention of hip fractures.