Collaboration to Improve Bone Health After Hip Fracture Using Nurse-Assisted Zoledronic Acid Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new approach to improve care coordination between hospitals and primary care for patients aged 75 or older who have suffered a hip fracture. The study focuses on osteoporosis treatment using zoledronic acid infusions combined with vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent further fractures. The trial aims to test if ambulant nurses assisting general practitioners (GPs) can increase the number of patients receiving recommended annual zoledronic acid infusions over three years after their fracture. Participants receive an initial infusion of zoledronic acid 5 mg at the hospital after their femoral neck fracture and are then followed in one of two ways based on their region. In intervention regions, ambulant nurses support GPs with administering zoledronic acid yearly for three years. In control regions, patients receive usual care where GPs are responsible for follow-up and annual infusions guided by discharge summaries. The study is designed as a cluster randomized controlled trial with regions assigned to intervention or control groups. During the study, patients from both groups are asked to complete a questionnaire after one year, reporting if they received zoledronic acid as recommended. The main outcome is whether patients are offered treatment at the one-year follow-up. The trial includes safety monitoring and data collection over three years, with an estimated total of 200 patients to account for mortality. It seeks to establish practical procedures for nurse-assisted osteoporosis treatment in primary care settings to improve patient care continuity after hospital discharge.

A Study to Improve the Collaboration Between Primary and Secondary Health Care on the Treatment of Osteoporosis After a Hip Fracture.