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A call for a fragility fractures centralised care pathway in Australia: A qualitative study among healthcare professionals.
- Source :
- International Journal of Care Coordination; Sep-Dec2023, Vol. 26 Issue 3/4, p106-114, 9p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Osteoporosis remains unrecognised and untreated in patients with fragility fractures, which leads to higher mortality rate, increasing social and economic burden related to subsequent fractures. However, the presence of a coordinated and centralised care pathway for fragility fractures is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of health professionals regarding the current management for distal radius fragility fractures, how the care pathway can be optimised for patients with distal radius fragility fractures, and where occupational therapists can contribute. Methods: This paper uses a phenomenological qualitative methodology with selective and purposeful sampling, consisting of health professionals from an Australian Health Service (N = 20). Online surveys (N = 18) and semi-structured interviews (N = 16) were conducted. Content analysis was applied, followed by thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Results: Eighteen health professionals participated in the presurvey of which 16 were interviewed. The identified themes presented the gaps in the knowledge and awareness of fragility fractures and osteoporosis, as well as a lack of coordination in the system, especially the referral process. Discussion: These findings are consistent with previous studies which also highlight the importance of communication, coordination, collaboration, cooperation, responsibility, and a population approach in achieving integrated care. This study contributes to the global call for a centralised and coordinated care pathway for fragility fractures. The study explores personal experiences of health professionals who expressed interest in fragility fractures management. Exploring patients' perspectives on their journey of fragility fractures management provides opportunity for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PILOT projects
HUMAN research subjects
HEALTH services accessibility
ATTITUDES of medical personnel
RESEARCH methodology
OSTEOPENIA
PATIENT selection
INTERVIEWING
OSTEOPOROSIS
MEDICAL protocols
PHENOMENOLOGY
QUALITATIVE research
EXPERIENCE
ACCIDENTAL falls
COMMUNICATION
INTERPROFESSIONAL relations
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
MEDICAL referrals
CONTENT analysis
THEMATIC analysis
INTEGRATED health care delivery
PATIENT care
PATIENT education
BONE fractures
DISTAL radius fractures
DISEASE management
COMORBIDITY
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20534345
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 3/4
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Care Coordination
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 173656009
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/20534345231193082