Real-life effectiveness of a Fracture Liaison Service in reducing short-term mortality and second fractures after hip fracture: a five-year prospective study.

The Asia -Pacific Bone Academy (APBA) Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) Focus Group educational initiative has stimulated activity across the Asia -Pacific region with the intention of supporting widespread implementation of new FLS. In 2017, the APBA FLS Focus Group developed a suite of tools to support implementation of FLS across the Asia-Pacific region as a component of a multi-faceted educational initiative. This article puts this initiative into context with a narrative review describing the burden of fragility fractures in the region, the current secondary fracture prevention care gap and a summary of emerging best practice. The results of a survey to evaluate the impact of the APBA educational initiative is presented, in addition to commentary on recent activities intended to improve the care of individuals who sustain fragility fractures across the Asia -Pacific. A FLS Toolbox for Asia-Pacific was developed which included the following sections:1. The burden of fragility fractures in the Asia-Pacific region.2. A summary of evidence for FLS in the Asia-Pacific.3. A generic, fully referenced FLS business plan template.4. Potential cost savings accrued by each country, based on a country-specific FLS Benefits Calculator.5. How to start and expand FLS programmes in the Asia-Pacific context.6. A step-by-step guide to setting up FLS in countries in the Asia-Pacific region.7. Other practical tools to support FLS establishment.8. FLS online resources and publications.The FLS Toolbox was provided as a resource to support FLS workshops immediately following the 5th Scientific Meeting of the Asian Federation of Osteoporosis Societies (AFOS) held in Kuala Lumpur in October 2017. The FLS workshops addressed three key themes:• The FLS business case.• Planning the FLS patient pathway.• The role of the FLS coordinator in fragility fracture care management.A follow-up survey of 142 FLS workshop participants was conducted in August-September 2018. The survey included questions regarding how FLS were developed, funded, the scope of service provision and the support provided by the educational initiative. Almost one-third (30.3%) of FLS workshop participants completed the survey. Survey responses were reported for those who had established a FLS at the time the survey was conducted and, separately, for those who had not established a FLS. Findings for those who had established a FLS included:• 78.3% of respondents established a multidisciplinary team to develop the business case for their FLS.• 87.0% of respondents stated that a multidisciplinary team was established to design the patient pathway for their FLS.• 26.1% of respondents stated that their FLS has sustainable funding.• The primary source of funding for FLS was from public hospitals (83.3%) as compared with private hospitals (16.7%).Most hospitals that had not established a FLS at the time the survey was conducted were either in the process of setting-up a FLS (47%) or had plans in place to establish a FLS for which approval is being sought (29%). The primary barrier to establishing a new FLS was lack of sustainable funding. The APBA FLS Focus Group educational initiative has stimulated activity across the Asia-Pacific region with the intention of supporting widespread implementation of new FLS. A second edition of the FLS Toolbox is in development which is intended to complement ongoing efforts throughout the region to expedite widespread implementation of FLS.

SummaryOsteoporosis is an underdiagnosed disease that results in bone fragility and risk of fractures. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a secondary prevention model which identifies patients at risk for fragility fractures. The introduction of a FLS protocol showed an increase of anti-osteoporotic drug prescription and significant reduction of all-cause mortality.IntroductionHip fractures are the most severe osteoporotic fracture due to their associated disability and elevated risk of mortality. FLS programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the FLS model over survival and 2-year mortality rate following a hip fracture.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture during 3 consecutive years, before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (i.e., between January 2016 and December 2018). Patients’ information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. Patients were followed for 2 years after the hip fracture. Mortality and re-fracture rates were compared between the two groups using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsA total of 1101 patients were included in this study (i.e., 357 before FLS implementation and 744 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (583 (78.4%) vs 44 (12.3%); p < 0.01). There was an increase of adherence to treatment after FLS implementation (227 (38.9%) vs 12 (3.3%); p = 0.03). A total of 222 (29.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 114 (31.9%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.44) died during the follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 49 (6.6%) patients after FLS implementation and in 26 (7.3%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.65). Patients who were treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all-cause 1-year and 2-year mortality compared with patients managed before the implementation of the FLS protocol (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59–0.96; HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69–1.09, respectively).ConclusionsThe implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with an increase of anti-osteoporotic treatment, higher adherence, and greater survival in elderly hip fracture patients. There was a significant reduction of all-cause mortality in the FLS patients treated with anti-osteoporotic. However, the application of the FLS did not affect the risk of suffering a second fragility fracture.

Objectives The objective of the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) is to establish a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) in every NHS Trust in the United Kingdom (UK). The Service Delivery Manager supports sites to establish, implement and develop a new FLS, as well as to improve the quality of existing services. The FLS model enables secondary fracture prevention through identification of fragility fractures in every person who breaks a bone aged over 50 using dedicated case-finding, with assessment and appropriate management of osteoporosis where necessary. The object of FLS is to prevent secondary fractures, in particular expensive hip and vertebral fractures, thereby providing both clinical and cost effectiveness for patients and payers. The NOS has developed a unique service to support FLS across the UK. Developments A team of specialist development managers with clinical and commissioning experience support providers and payers in the process of establishing new FLS9s by offering consultation and guidance at every step of the process from pathway development to successful funding of services. This model has been replicated across the UK since April 2015 with the support and expertise of the NOS. Once an FLS is established the NOS provides support with service improvement, whether through additional commissioning of funds, Peer review or Gap analysis. Results Results from a range of analyses show that FLS has a positive impact on fracture rate and in particular hip fractures. At the time of writing, the NOS is currently supporting 166 sites across the UK. 83 sites are improving the quality of their service; 58 sites are developing new services. 13 new services have been commissioned since commencement of the work programme, delivering new FLS provision to an additional 1.6 million people over 50, preventing 1,482 hip fractures over a 5-year period. Figures have been calculated from the NOS FLS Benefits Calculator https://benefits.nos.org.uk Challenges The primary challenge in establishing an FLS is identifying a clinical champion - this maybe a nurse, an allied health professional, rheumatologist or ortho-geriatrician in the hospital, or a representative from Public Health or from a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The champion can lead and take the FLS from an idea to implementation. To support the establishment and implementation of FLS the NOS has developed the FLS Implementation Toolkit as well as the Clinical Standards for FLS. The Clinical Standards will shortly be supported with a supplementation - New Clinical Guidance on the identification of Vertebral Fractures. Furthermore, the Charity has developed the Fracture Prevention Practitioner (FPP) training for those wishing to implement an FLS. This is backed by the Competency Framework for Nurses, allied health professional and doctors to ensure best practice in fracture prevention. Conclusion The NOS service development model of support is successful in driving the establishment, implementation and improvement of FLS across the UK. This is tough in an economic climate where health budgets are constrained. However, there is strong evidence that investment in FLS improves the quality of care as well as illustrating financial savings in health and social care. NHS England recommends that every patient with/or at risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures should have access to a commissioned service. Disclosure of Interest None declared

The purpose of this review is to report the evidence of beneficial effects of Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) including data regarding their impact on subsequent fracture, mortality risk and cost-effectiveness. This review also discusses the limitations of these data and the challenges faced during the implementation of FLS. Recent studies showed the beneficial impact of implementation of FLS on the prevention of subsequent fracture risk, reduced mortality and cost-effectiveness. However, heterogeneity of FLS models and small number of studies limited the conclusion about the impact of FLS on secondary fracture prevention. Patients with osteoporosis-related fractures are at higher risk of subsequent refractures. These subsequent fractures are associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality. However, there is a gap between evidence-based recommendations for postfracture care and actual clinical practice. FLS care is recommended for the management of the prevention of secondary fracture. FLS implementation reduces the risk of subsequent fracture, but the level of evidence is low as the interpretation of data is limited by the number of studies and their heterogeneity. FLS care significantly reduces the postfracture mortality, especially in patients with hip fractures. FLS implementation is cost-effective compared with usual care. Additional studies (with large sample and long-term follow-up) are needed to assess the impact of FLS care on subsequent fracture risk.

BackgroundHip fractures are the most serious fragility fractures due to their associated disability, higher hospitalization costs and high mortality rates. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures and have shown their clinical effectiveness.AimsTo analyze the effect of the implementation of a FLS model of care over the survival and mortality rates following a hip fracture.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (between January 2016 and December 2019). Patients were followed for three years after the index date. Mortality, complications and refracture rates were compared between the two groups using a Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsA total of 1366 patients were included in this study (353 before FLS implementation and 1013 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (79.3% vs 12.5%; p < 0.01) and there was an increase in adherence to treatment (51.7% vs 30.2%; p < 0.01). A total of 413 (40.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 141 (39.9%) individuals before (p = 0.47) died during the three-years follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 101 (10.0%) patients after FLS implementation and 37 (10.5%) individuals before (p = 0.78). Patients after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all cause one-year mortality [adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.74 (0.57–0.94)] and a decreased risk of suffering a second osteoporotic fracture [adjusted HR 0.54 (0.39–0.75) in males and adjusted HR 0.46 (0.30–0.71) in females].ConclusionsThe implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with a lower all-cause one-year mortality rate and a higher survivorship in elderly hip fracture patients. However, no three-year mortality rate differences were observed between the two groups. We also found a reduction in the complication and second-fracture rates.

The effectiveness of Police General Hospital’s fracture liaison service (PGH’s FLS) implementation after 5 years: A prospective cohort study

Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) have been established worldwide, with positive effects on treatment, secondary fracture, mortality, and economic burden. However, no study has evaluated their impact on the Portuguese population. Therefore, we purposed to evaluate the effect of an FLS model in a Portuguese center on osteoporosis (OP) treatment, secondary fracture, and mortality rates, 3years after a fragility fracture. Patients over 50years old, admitted with a fragility fracture, between January 2017 and December 2020, were included in this retrospective study. Patients evaluated after FLS implementation (2019-2020) were compared with those evaluated before (2017-2018) and followed for 36months. Predictors of secondary fracture and mortality were assessed using a multivariate Cox regression model, adjusted to potential confounders. A total of 551 patients were included (346 before and 205 after FLS). The FLS significantly increased the rate of OP treatment, when compared with standard clinical practice (8.1% vs 77.6%). During follow-up, the secondary fracture rate was 14.7% and 7.3%, before and after FLS, respectively. FLS was associated with a lower risk of secondary fracture (HR 0.39, C.I. 0.16-0.92). Although we observed a lower mortality rate (25.1% vs 13.7%), FLS was not a significant predictor of survival. Implementing the FLS model in a Portuguese center has increased OP treatment and reduced the risk of secondary fracture. We believe that our work supports adopting FLS models in national programs.

Secondary fracture prevention rates are low in Norway and internationally. To overcome the existing treatment gap, fracture liaison services (FLS) are recommended. The study aimed to assess impact of FLS on fracture rates and mortality among attenders versus non-attenders, and patients adherent versus non-adherent to AOD. This single-center sub-study of the Norwegian Capture the Fracture Initiative included 1936 women and men ≥ 50years of age with an index fracture of any type during 2015-2018. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) for subsequent fractures and mortality in 1041 attenders versus 895 non-attenders to the FLS, and 427 patients who were adherent versus 174 patients who were non-adherent to anti-osteoporotic drugs (AOD) 12months after treatment initiation. During a median 3.5-years observation (range 0.5 to 6.3), attenders had a 20% lower risk of subsequent fractures of any type (HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.64-0.999) and 33% lower mortality (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.51-0.89) than non-attenders. Patients who were adherent to AOD after 12months had a 49% lower risk of subsequent fractures than non-adherent patients (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.35-0.72), but no difference in mortality was shown. Models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, prior fracture, and index hip fracture. These results confirm that patients who were able and willing to attend FLS had lower risk of subsequent fractures and mortality than non-attenders. Patients who were adherent to AOD had lower risk of subsequent fractures than non-adherent patients, emphasizing the importance of adherence in secondary fracture prevention.

Background: Structured secondary preventions programs, called Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), increase the rate of evaluation with bone densitometry and use of osteoporosis medication after fracture, but the evidence regarding the effect on the risk of recurrent fracture is insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate if implementation of FLSs was associated with reduced risk of recurrent fractures. Methods: Electronic health records were used to identify patients 50 years or older with a major osteoporotic index fracture (hip, clinical spine, humerus, radius and pelvis) during 2012-2017 in four hospitals in Western Sweden, two with FLSs (n=15,449) and two without (n=5634). A total of 21,083 patients (mean age 73·9 (SD 12·4) years, 76% women) were eligible. All patients with an index fracture during the FLS period (n=13,946) were compared to all patients in the period prior to FLS implementation (n=7137) in an intention to treat analysis. Time periods corresponding to the FLS hospitals were used for the non-FLS hospitals. Findings: In the FLS hospitals, the proportion of patients receiving osteoporosis medication within a year after index fracture increased from 14·7% to 28·0% after FLS implementation. During a median follow-up time of 2·2 years (range 0-6 years), there were 1247 recurrent fractures. In an unadjusted Cox model, the risk of recurrent fracture was 18% lower in the FLS period compared to the control period (Hazard Ratio 0·82 (95% CI 0·73-0·92), p=0·001), corresponding to a 3-year number needed to screen of 61, and did not change after adjustment for clinical risk factors. In the hospitals without FLS, no change in recurrent fracture rate was observed. Interpretation: Implementation of FLSs was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent fracture, indicating that FLSs should be included routinely at hospital treating fracture patients. Funding Statement: Swedish Research Council and ALF/LUA grants from the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Declaration of Interests: Dr Axelsson has received lecture fees from Lilly, Meda/Mylan and Amgen. Prof Lorentzon has received lecture fees from Amgen, Lilly, UCB Pharma, Radius Health, Meda, GE-Lunar and Santax Medico/Hologic. Dr Axelsson and Prof Lorentzon are champions of two of the described FLSs (Skaraborg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, respectively) in the study. Drs Lundh, Johansson and Moller state they have no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the regional ethical review board in Gothenburg.

Fracture begets fracture. Since the 1980s, we have known that approximately half of individuals who sustain a hip fracture break another bone in the months or years before breaking their hip. More recently, investigators in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have reported similar findings. Meta-analyses have demonstrated that a prior fracture at any site is associated with a doubling of future fracture risk. Individuals who sustain fragility fractures usually present to healthcare services to seek medical attention and, as such, represent an obvious group to target for osteoporosis assessment and falls prevention. However, a persistent and pervasive care gap is evident in the secondary prevention of fragility fractures throughout the world. The care gap is well documented in countries in Asia-Pacific. A Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a system to ensure fracture risk assessment, and treatment where appropriate, is delivered to all patients with fragility fractures. A FLS is usually comprised of a dedicated case worker, often a clinical nurse specialist, who works to pre-agreed protocols to case-find and assess fracture patients. While FLS are usually based in hospital, some primary care based FLS have been developed. A FLS requires support from a medically qualified practitioner. The FLS model of care has been endorsed and advocated for by governments, healthcare professional organisations and national osteoporosis societies, and national alliances comprised of these and other groups. This presentation will provide a global perspective on implementation of FLS as a central component of a broader systematic approach to fragility fracture care and prevention. References Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) Toolbox for Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific Bone Academy. 2017.

Structured secondary preventions programs, called fracture liaison services (FLSs), increase the rate of evaluation with bone densitometry and use of osteoporosis medication after fracture. However, the evidence regarding the effect on the risk of recurrent fracture is insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate if implementation of FLS was associated with reduced risk of recurrent fractures. In this retrospective cohort study, electronic health records during 2012 to 2017 were used to identify a total of 21,083 patients from four hospitals in Western Sweden, two with FLS (n = 15,449) and two without (n = 5634). All patients aged 50 years or older (mean age 73.9 [SD 12.4] years, 76% women) with a major osteoporotic index fracture (hip, clinical spine, humerus, radius, and pelvis) were included. The primary outcome was recurrent major osteoporotic fracture. All patients with an index fracture during the FLS period (n = 13,946) were compared with all patients in the period before FLS implementation (n = 7137) in an intention-to-treat analysis. Time periods corresponding to the FLS hospitals were used for the non-FLS hospitals. In the hospitals with FLSs, there were 1247 recurrent fractures during a median follow-up time of 2.2 years (range 0-6 years). In an unadjusted Cox model, the risk of recurrent fracture was 18% lower in the FLS period compared with the control period (hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.92, p = .001), corresponding to a 3-year number needed to screen of 61, and did not change after adjustment for clinical risk factors. In the hospitals without FLSs, no change in recurrent fracture rate was observed. Treatment decisions were made according to the Swedish treatment guidelines. In conclusion, implementation of FLS was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent fracture, indicating that FLSs should be included routinely at hospitals treating fracture patients. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Improving Secondary Fracture Prevention After Vertebroplasty: Implementation of a Fracture Liaison Service.

Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) has been proven effective in reducing subsequent fractures and related mortality. However, more research is needed on the impact of FLS on the 30-day readmission rate and its effectiveness in rural hospitals. This study aims to assess the impact of FLS on clinical outcomes including readmission rates, subsequent fractures, and fracture-related mortality in rural areas of an Asain country. In a rural hospital in Taiwan, we conducted a two-year prospective cohort study on elderly individuals with fragility hip fractures. The study compared the clinical outcomes between the control group and the FLS-cohort group. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors contributing to 1-year mortality after injury. 556 patients were enrolled. (304 in the control group and 252 in the FLS group) The mean age was 79.8years. The findings revealed that the introduction of FLS did not result in significant differences in mortality, readmission, complication, subsequent fractures, or secondary hip fractures. However, there were notable improvements in the length of hospital stay and the proportion of patients receiving surgery within 48h following the implementation of FLS. Subgroup analysis showed that FLS patients who received anti-osteoporotic treatment had lower mortality and 30-day readmission rates. Factors associated with higher 1-year mortality included male, high ASA level, and delayed surgery. This study provides the real-life evidence of the effect of intensive FLS model in a rural hospital in an Asian country. While FLS did not show significant differences in certain clinical outcomes, it led to shorter hospital stays and increased timely surgeries. FLS patients receiving anti-osteoporotic treatment had better mortality and readmission rates. Further research is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of FLS care in rural areas of Asia.

Every year about 9 million fragility fractures (FF) occur worldwide and 80% of these are underdiagnosed or undertreated. Aiming to close the gap of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) were developed. To describe the implementation of the first FLS in Chile, its inclusion criteria, patient enrolment, treatment adherence and referrals during the first year. A FLS was implemented at a health care network composed by two hospitals. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) guidelines were applied with a nurse practitioner as the coordinator. From May 2020 to April 2021 all patients diagnosed with a FF in the emergency rooms were invited to participate. Patients with pathological fractures and active cancer were excluded. Demographical data, fracture location, previous fractures, treatment and adherence, and mortality were recorded. From 443 patients with a diagnosis of FF, 177 patients (40%) accepted to participate. Their mean age was 74 ± 13 years and 84% (149) were female. Forty eight percent (84) had a lower extremity FF. Hip fractures were the most common (67). Ninety-five patients reported previous FF and 11,2% (20) had received anti-osteoporotic treatment. At four months of follow-up, 62% (50) had received vitamin D and calcium supplementation and 20% (16) of those patients with an indication of anti-osteoporotic drugs, had received them. The implementation of the FLS was successful with a 40% enrolment of patients, receiving certification by the IOF.

SummaryThe implementation of an in-hospital fracture liaison service facilitated prompt initiation of anti-osteoporosis treatment following a hip fracture (HF), increasing follow-up and treatment rates. This led to a 48% reduction in the risk of subsequent HF and a 29% decrease in mortality rates.PurposeTo demonstrate the impact of an institutional fracture liaison service (FLS) which allowed in-hospital anti-osteoporosis treatment following hip fracture (HF) on subsequent HF and mortality rate.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients aged 65 years and older, admitted with an osteoporotic HF, who were transferred following surgery for rehabilitation in the geriatrics department in two time periods: before and after the implementation of an institutional FLS (“geriatric-pre-FLS” and “geriatric-FLS” cohorts, respectively). Data were captured from electronic records and the two cohorts were compared following an assessment of baseline characteristics, follow-up, and anti-osteoporosis treatment initiation. A multivariable Cox regression model evaluated differences between the cohorts regarding subsequent HF and mortality rates.ResultsThree hundred and eighteen and 448 patients comprised the geriatric-pre-FLS (07/2008–06/2014) and the geriatric-FLS (03/2016–03/2020) cohorts, respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the cohorts (median age 81 vs. 82, p = 0.08 and female sex 73% vs. 70%, p = 0.48, respectively). Rates of endocrine consultation (3.5% vs. 99%%, p < 0.001), DXA-BMD testing (7.5% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), and parenteral anti-osteoporosis treatment (4% vs. 76.6%, p < 0.001) were all higher in the geriatric-FLS cohort. The implementation of the FLS led to a 48% reduction in subsequent HF risk (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.37–0.74, p < 0.001) and a 29% decrease in mortality rate (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.54–0.92, p = 0.011).ConclusionsThe implementation of an in-hospital FLS facilitated prompt initiation of anti-osteoporosis treatment following a HF, increased follow-up and treatment rates, and resulted in a 48% reduction in subsequent HF risk and a 29% reduction in mortality rates.