In Canada, up to 32,000 older adults experience a fragility hip fracture. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has implemented strategies

In Canada, up to 32,000 older adults experience a fragility hip
fracture. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has
implemented strategies to reduce surgical wait times and improve
outcomes in target areas. These best practice standards advocate
for immediate surgical repair, within 48 hours of admission, in
order to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. The majority of
patients are good candidates for surgical repair; however, for some
patients, given the risks of anesthetic and trauma of the operative
procedure, surgery may not be the best choice. Patients and
families face a difficult and hurried decision, often with no time
to voice their concerns, or with little-to-no information on which
to guide their choice. Similarly, health-care providers may
experience moral distress or hesitancy to articulate other options,
such as palliative care. Is every fragility fracture a candidate
for surgery, no matter what the outcome? When is it right to
discuss other options with the patient? This article examines a
case study via an application of a framework for ethical
decision-making. Provide a reflection of your learning with Ms. Jones 93 years
old case study. What did you learn? How will you apply this
learning in the future?