Implementation of a Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Program in Geriatric Hip Fractures: The Experience at a Level I Academic Trauma Center.

Objectives: Determine adherence to a newly implemented protocol of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in geriatric hip fractures.

Methods:

Design: Retrospective review.

Setting: Level I trauma center.

Patient selection criteria: Patients with a hip fracture treated with cephalomedullary nailing or hemiarthroplasty (CPT codes 27245 or 27236).

Outcome measures and comparisons: Adherence to a protocol for FICB, time intervals between emergency department arrival, FICB, and surgery stratified by time of admission.

Results: Three hundred eighty patients were studied (average age 78 years, 70% female). Approximately 53.2% of patients received an FICB, which was less than a predefined acceptable adherence rate of 75% ( P < 0.001). Approximately 5.0% received an FICB within 4 hours and 17.3% within 6 hours from admission. Admission during daylight hours (7 am -7p m ) when compared with evening hours (7 pm -7 am ) was associated with improved timeliness ([8.3% vs. 0% within 4 hours, P < 0.001] [27.5% vs. 2.4% within 6 hours, P < 0.001]). Improved adherence to the protocol was observed over time (odds ratio: 1.0013, 95% confidence interval, 1.0001-1.0025, P = 0.0388).

Conclusions: FICB implementation was poor but gradually improved over time. Few patients received an FICB promptly, especially during night hours. Overall, this study demonstrates that implementation of an FICB program at a Level I academic trauma center can be difficult; however, many hurdles can be overcome with institutional support and dedication of resources such as staff, space, and additional training.