Developing and Testing an International Audit of Nursing Quality Indicators for Older Adults With Fragility Hip Fracture

BACKGROUND: Fragility hip fracture in older adults often has poor outcomes, but these outcomes can be improved with attention to specific quality care indicators. PURPOSE: The International Collaboration of Orthopaedic Nursing (ICON) developed an audit process to identify the extent to which internationally accepted nursing quality care indicators for older adults with fragility hip fracture are reflected in policies, protocols, and processes guiding acute care. METHODS: A data abstraction tool was created for each of 12 quality indicators. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach with unstructured rounds. A rationale document providing evidence for the quality indicators and a user evaluation form were included with the audit tool. A purposeful sample of 35 acute care hospitals representing 7 countries was selected. RESULTS: Thirty-five hospitals (100%) completed the survey. Respondents viewed the content as relevant and applicable for the defined patient population. Although timing and frequency of implementation varied among and within countries, the identified quality indicators were reflected in the majority of policies, protocols, or processes guiding care in the hospitals surveyed. CONCLUSION: Developing and testing an audit of nurse-sensitive quality indicators for older adults with fragility hip fracture demonstrate international consensus on common core best practices to ensure optimal acute care.