65 Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) Malaysia - A Call to Action for Better Outcome in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The incidences of hip fractures are increasing worldwide and over 50% of all hip fractures are projected to occur in Asia. Malaysia is predicted to have the highest rate of increase in numbers of hip fracture in Asia Pacific by 2050. Despite the health and economic burden associated with fragility fractures, there is limited systematic guidance or nationwide interventions set up to address this foreseeable tsunami in Malaysia. This has called for the formation of a national Fragility Fracture Network to bring together experts from different disciplines nationally to drive policy change and improve quality of care in patients with fragility fracture. Method The Asia Pacific Regional Fragility Fracture Summit held in Singapore in May 2018 brought together representatives of regional societies from geriatrics, orthopedic, osteoporosis and rehabilitation to share key challenges in providing optimal fragility fracture care. Three clinicians from Malaysia representing three different societies in Asia Pacific who attended the summit initiated the idea of forming a national multidisciplinary network to focus on improving acute hip fracture care, post-acute care rehabilitation and secondary fracture prevention. Results After the first meeting held in June 2018 with only 4 members in Kuala Lumpur, the network has expanded to include members from 7 different states in Malaysia. This has led to the formation of the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) Malaysia in August 2018. The key goals of the network include the development of clinical hip fracture care pathway, initiating national hip fracture registry and fracture liaison service. Conclusion FFN Malaysia serves as a platform to unite healthcare providers and policy makers in prioritizing and having co-ownership in improving fragility fracture care in the country.