Fascia Iliaca compartment block: A nurse-led initiative for preoperative pain management in patients with a fractured neck of femur

SummaryThis audit investigated a nurse-led service delivering effective preoperative pain relief for patients with a fractured neck of femur. The fascia iliaca compartment block has a greater margin of safety than a femoral block as the needle is inserted at a distance lateral to the femoral neurovascular bundle; therefore, nurses can potentially be trained to perform it. Pain Nurses were trained in patient selection, consent, performing the block and the management of possible complications. Pain scores were assessed before and after the block and afterwards at 15 min, 2, 8 and 24 h. There were no complications recorded and post-block opioid requirements were reduced.The audit showed that a fascia iliaca block provided pain relief in more than 70% of cases. It demonstrated that non-anaesthetic personnel can perform the block successfully and provide the service more readily, resulting in more patients receiving improved pain management.