Development of an ultrasound‐guided fascia iliaca compartment block programme for hip fracture analgesia in the accident and emergency department: A model from north lantau hospital
Man Ting Lau, Tin Man Hui, Oi Fung Wong, Shing Ko, Wai Ling Irene Lo, Kin Fai Khu, Sing Hing Choi, Yee Ngor Tsui, Yuen Sum WongAbstract
Background
Patients with hip fracture presenting at accident and emergency department (AED) of North Lantau Hospital (NLTH) require transfer to a tertiary centre, and the repeated bed transfers involved are painful to the patients. Ultrasound‐guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is a regional anaesthetic technique for effective opioid‐sparing analgesia.
Objective
To describe the development, implementation strategies of a formal FICB program for adult hip fracture patients in the AED of NLTH.
Methods
A multidisciplinary group, consisting of anaesthetic expertise, developed a clinical guideline for FICB. Implementation featured prepacked procedural kits, staff education and a competency‐based physician credentialing pathway. The protocol was formally started since 1 May 2025.
Results
A protocol and checklist were developed for implementation, starting from 1 May 2025.
Conclusion
Fascia iliaca block can be delivered at AED with the support of a multidisciplinary team and well‐defined protocol. This model serves as a blueprint for adopting this opioid‐sparing modality as the standard of care across AEDs in Hong Kong for better patient management.