Hip fractures are a major global health challenge, with 1.3 million cases per year worldwide, a figure expected to rise to over 6 million by 2050. These fractures can be devastating, with high rates of mortality, reduced quality of life, and significant healthcare costs.
Developed and hosted by NDORMS, the new WHiTE Platform Trial will allow researchers to simultaneously test multiple treatments for hip fractures, which is a significant shift from traditional trials that typically focus on one treatment at a time.
Juul Achten, Head of Research Development and Delivery at Oxford Trauma and Emergency Care, NDORMS said: 'Recent observational studies show significant variation in clinical practice, from assessment, through surgical and peri-operative care, and then rehabilitation and secondary prevention of future fractures. Variation in care can lead to variation in patients' recovery. This injury can have devastating effects on older adults, not just physically but also emotionally and socially and there is therefore a pressing need to extend and improve treatments and treatment pathways.
'The WHiTE Platform Trial offers the opportunity to test multiple interventions to improve patient outcomes, accelerate the pace of discovery and ensure patients receive the best possible care.'
The WHiTE Platform Trial was developed by a team of patient representatives from the UK Musculoskeletal Trauma Patient and Public Involvement Group, clinical experts in the care of patients with hip fracture, trial management specialists and experienced statisticians and health economists.