Training Emergency Physicians in Ultrasound-guided Fascia Iliaca Compartment Blocks: Lessons in Change Management

Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Simulation Training in an Emergency Medicine Residency Program

Introduction Geriatric hip fractures present a difficult challenge in the emergency department (ED) to achieve adequate analgesia. Opioid-sparing ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment blocks (UFIB) have been shown to be both safe and effective in treating pain from hip fractures. In this study, we investigated the teachability of UFIB to emergency medicine (EM) residents using simulation models and also assessed if UFIB training increases its utility in the ED. Methods We created a UFIB model to simulate the procedure in a controlled environment. Sixteen residents from Loma Linda Emergency Medicine Residency participated in a pre-workshop survey and hands-on UFIB workshop. Comfort level in performing UFIB and confidence level in needle finding skills during UFIB were analyzed, plotted, and represented graphically. Results Comfort level in performing UFIB increased by approximately 50% (p < 0.01). Success rates also increased by 460% (p<0.05) after the workshop. However, the UFIB continued to be underutilized as 44% of respondents expressed that there is a "lack of time" to perform UFIB during their shifts. Conclusion A single one-hour workshop increased comfort level in performing UFIB and helped residents successfully achieve better pain control in patients with hip fractures. However, residents continued to refrain from using UFIB because it is too time-consuming.

Hip fracture pain management in a regional Australian emergency department: A retrospective descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are a common and painful emergency presentation amongst elderly patients and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study observed the frequency of documentation of pain scores and use of nerve blocks in hip fracture patients in a regional Australian ED and describes current practice in relation to national guidelines.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single-site observational study and included all patients with a recorded ED diagnosis of fracture neck of femur over the age of 18 presenting between 1 July 2017 and 31 December 2017 to a regional ED. Data collection included patient demographics, pain scores and analgesia administered.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients were included in analysis. This population had a high proportion of patients who had a residential address remote to the base hospital. Thirty-eight patients (41%) had a documented pain score within 30min and the frequency of nerve blocks was 45%.

CONCLUSION

Management of pain for patients with hip fracture in this regional ED varied from Australian guidelines and practice in other Australian EDs, demonstrating potential areas for further research and quality improvement in assessing and treating pain in older adults. Geographic remoteness may be an important factor.