Perceptions of Medical and Surgical Health Care Providers Toward Orthogeriatric Care Delivery: An Exploratory Survey.

Abstract

Orthogeriatrics (a holistic and multidisciplinary shared-care approach for older trauma patients) is increasingly embraced as a promising collaborative care model by both medical and surgical health care providers (HCPs) to improve outcomes in this frail older population. 1 Martinez-Reig M. Ahmad L. Duque G. The orthogeriatrics model of care: systematic review of predictors of institutionalization and mortality in post-hip fracture patients and evidence for interventions. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2012; 13: 770-777 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (37) Google Scholar We recently showed that nurse-led orthogeriatric care substantially reduced mortality, and more patients were discharged home. 2 van Leendert J.A.A. Linkens A.E.M.J.H. Poeze M. et al. Mortality in hip fracture patients after implementation of a nurse practitioner-led orthogeriatric care program: results of a 1-year follow-up. Age Ageing. 2021; 50: 1744-1750 Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar However, the optimal template how to implement orthogeriatric care across clinical practice is still a topic of debate. 3 Moyet J. Deschasse G. Marquant B. et al. Which is the optimal orthogeriatric care model to prevent mortality of elderly subjects post hip fractures? A systematic review and meta-analysis based on current clinical practice. Int Orthop. 2019; 43: 1449-1454 Crossref PubMed Scopus (43) Google Scholar Although the interaction between geriatricians and orthopedic surgeons is often portrayed and even ridiculed in popular media, little is known about the actual perceptions of orthogeriatric care by HCPs. Therefore, we investigated the perceptions of involved HCPs toward orthogeriatric care, because conflicting perceptions and disagreements on mode of care delivery form a major hurdle in the implementation of orthogeriatric care.