141 USING A TEMPLATE TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION ON DISCHARGE LETTERS REGARDING BONE PROTECTION THERAPY AFTER HIP FRACTURE

Abstract Background Hip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality amongst older adults. The Irish Fracture Database Standard 5 requires that all patients with hip fracture have bone health assessment completed; most commenced on protection therapy (BPT) to reduce future fractures. Communication general practitioners (GPs) regarding long-term BPT is often incomplete challenging improve. We aimed upgrade this communication process at discharge. Methods Initial audit was conducted assessing documentation after in discharge letters GPs. Subsequently we created detailed template for containing clear information GPs medication initiation advice ongoing management. introduced doctors were educated its use. then re-audited following intervention. Patients included over 60 years old fracture. deemed clinically unsuitable excluded. Results Ninety reviewed, 45 initial another introducing the template. Mean age 80 old, 66 (73%) female. In first cycle, 28/45 (62%) briefly specified BPT. On repeating cycle (following introduction letter template) 45/45 (100%) clearly Most (41/45; 91%) Following intervention reported increased awareness understanding BPT, satisfaction use letters. Conclusion Effective implementation significantly improved