Survey of Current Practices: Peripheral Nerve Block Utilization by ED Physicians for Treatment of Pain in the Hip Fracture Patient Population

Authors

  • Lynn Haslam Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  • Andrew Lansdown Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  • Jacques Lee Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  • Martin van der Vyver Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.16.52

Keywords:

fascia iliaca, nerve block, regional anaesthesia, emergency department, survey, hip fracture

Abstract

Background

In 2010-11 approximately 968 hip fracture patients presented to emergency departments in the Greater Toronto Local Health Integration Network (GTA-LHIN). Optimal pain management is a frequently overlooked aspect of hip fracture patient care, which may contribute to patient outcomes. Although recommendations have been published, there is currently not a standardized approach to the analgesic management of pain in the hip fracture patient. Nerve blocks, including the fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), are more effective than traditional opioid analgesics in reducing pain after hip fracture. Research suggests that analgesia via nerve blockade is best initiated early, upon arrival to the emergency department. Emergency physicians are trained in ultrasound, and do utilize regional anaesthesia; however, the frequency of block utilization and techniques used for block insertion are unknown. We sought to undertake the first survey of Emergency Department (ED) staff and resident physicians across the GTA-LHIN, looking at the current ED practice of nerve block analgesia in hip fracture patients.

Purpose

The primary aim was to determine the prevalence and range of techniques utilized. The secondary aims were to determine the extent of training in nerve block insertion techniques, to gauge opinion on the most important objectives for future training courses, and to seek an understanding of the barriers to establishing a standardized approach for nerve block utilization in hip fracture patients.

Conclusions

This data will be used to develop a multidisciplinary training program specifically for use by ED physicians. ED physicians and anesthesiologists will collaborate to standardize nerve block insertion techniques and develop an optimal analgesic management plan of hip fracture patients at Sunnybrook Hospital.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2012-12-03

How to Cite

1.
Haslam L, Lansdown A, Lee J, van der Vyver M. Survey of Current Practices: Peripheral Nerve Block Utilization by ED Physicians for Treatment of Pain in the Hip Fracture Patient Population. Can Geriatr J [Internet]. 2012 Dec. 3 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];16(1):16-21. Available from: https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/52

Issue

Section

Original Research