The National Clinical Audit of Falls and Bone Health—secondary prevention of falls and fractures: a physiotherapy perspective

Objective

To establish current physiotherapy practice in the secondary management of falls and fragility fractures compared with national guidance.

Design

Web-based national clinical audit.

Participants

Acute trusts (n = 157) and primary care trusts (n = 146) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Results

Data were collected on 5642 patients with non-hip fragility fractures and 3184 patients with a hip fracture. Those patients who were bedbound or who declined assessment or rehabilitation were excluded from the analysis. Results indicate that of those with non-hip fractures, 28% received a gait and balance assessment, 22% participated in an exercise programme, and 3% were shown how to get up from the floor. For those with a hip fracture, the results were 68%, 44% and 7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Physiotherapists have a significant role to play in the secondary prevention of falls and fractures. However, along with managers and professional bodies, more must be done to ensure that clinical practice reflects the evidence base and professional standards.