Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
For patients with minor trauma managed in primary care, follow-up care should encompass several key areas:
- Bone Health Assessment: For adults who have sustained a fragility fracture, it is important to assess their bone health and refer them to a specialist bone health clinic or outpatient service if necessary, aligning with the NICE guideline on osteoporosis [1.4.8].
- Falls Risk Assessment: If the traumatic injury resulted from a fall, inquire about any previous falls and consider conducting a falls risk assessment, with a potential referral to a community falls service as appropriate [1.4.9]. All adults over 65 who experience a traumatic injury should undergo a falls risk assessment in line with the recommendations in the NICE guideline on falls [1.4.10].
- Prevention of Future Injury: Provide information or refer individuals to services aimed at preventing future injuries. These services can include falls prevention programmes, safeguarding services, domestic abuse services, violence prevention programmes, and condition-specific support organisations [1.4.11].
- Violent Injuries: In cases where violent injuries are related to suspected criminal activity, consider a violence prevention programme and follow-up as part of their rehabilitation plans. This could involve psychological support (e.g., counselling), substance abuse rehabilitation, employment or education training, group sessions, family development, liaison with the police, social worker involvement, and rehousing, if needed [1.4.11].