Geriatric Pain Protocol: Impact of Multimodal Pain Care for Elderly Orthopedic Trauma Patients

Abstract

Hip fractures are costly, and associated complications are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in persons 65 years or older. Uncontrolled pain leads to increased hospital length of stay (LOS), delayed physical therapy, and long-term functional impairment. The Geriatric Pain Protocol (GPP) is Cedars-Sinai's multimodal pain management solution, addressing the needs of older adult inpatients who have suffered fractures. Study participants included hip fracture patients admitted between February 1, 2019, and March 5, 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients 65 years or older with a hip fracture sustained from a ground-level fall and surgical candidate. Participants were divided into 2 categories: Geriatric Fracture Program (GFP) and non-GFP, with physician participation in the GFP being the differentiating factor. End points included postoperative pain, postoperative opioid utilization, LOS, complications, and 30-day readmission rates. The GPP decreased morphine milligram equivalent (MME) daily totals on days 1 and 2 and improved pain management compared with non-GPP patients. MMEs were lower in the GPP group than in the non-GPP group for both postoperative day 1 (POD1) (P = 0.007) and POD2 (P = 0.043); the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score on POD1 was lower in the GPP group (vs non-GPP, P = 0.013). There were no group differences in NRS POD2 pain or complications (all Ps > 0.1). The study sample (N = 453) had no significant difference between sex and LOS (all Ps > 0.3). Although not statistically significant, the 30-day readmission rate trended lower in patients treated in accordance with the GPP. Use of the GPP reduced pain levels and MME totals.