%0 Journal Article
%T Audit of Fracture Clinic Services: Compliance with BOAST (British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics) Guidelines
%A Abduljabar Hamza
%A Peter Obaleye
%A Okhifun Imobhio
%A Mudassar Ahmad
%A Kuen Chin
%J Open Journal of Orthopedics
%P 126-140
%@ 2164-3016
%D 2025
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojo.2025.153014
%X <b>Background:</b> The British Orthopedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) provide guidelines for optimal fracture clinic management. However, compliance with these standards varies across healthcare institutions. This study evaluates the adherence of a fracture clinic to BOAST guidelines, focusing on imaging efficiency, patient satisfaction, and appointment scheduling. <b>Methods:</b> A prospective audit was conducted over four weeks (July 1<sup>st</sup> - 30th, 2024) at Queens Hospital Romford, reviewing <b>50 consecutive patients</b>. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering <b>demographics, treatment timelines, imaging delays, frailty service referrals, and patient-reported satisfaction</b>. Statistical analysis included <b>Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests</b> to assess associations between delays and patient satisfaction. <b>Results:</b> Among the <b>50 patients</b>, <b>30% experienced imaging delays exceeding 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks)</b>, and <b>25% faced follow-up delays beyond BOAST recommendations</b>. A <b>strong negative correlation (-0.658, p &lt; 0.05)</b> was observed between <b>imaging delay and patient satisfaction</b>. Patients with <b>severe fractures reported a 0% satisfaction rate</b>, underscoring the need for <b>specialized care prioritization</b>. <b>Conclusion:</b> The audit highlights <b>significant inefficiencies</b> in fracture clinic operations, particularly in <b>imaging and appointment scheduling delays</b>, impacting patient satisfaction. Implementing <b>fast-track</b><b> imaging protocols, enhanced scheduling, and optimized multidisciplinary referrals</b> is recommended to improve BOAST guideline compliance and patient outcomes. A <b>re-audit</b> is necessary to assess the impact of these interventions.
%K BOAST Guidelines
%K Fracture Clinic Audit
%K Trauma and Orthopedics
%K Imaging Delays
%K Patient Satisfaction
%K Fracture Management
%K Virtual Fracture Clinics (VFCs)
%K Multidisciplinary Care in Orthopedics
%K Frailty Pathway
%K Service Optimization in Fracture Clinics
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=141121