The Fracture Screening and Prevention Program (FSPP) is a secondary fracture prevention program that operates under the Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy (OOS) in collaboration with Osteoporosis Canada, the Ontario Orthopaedic Association, the Ontario College of Family Physicians, and hospitals across the province. The FSPP was initiated in 2007 with the goal of increasing the rate of referral of fragility fracture patients for assessment and treatment of osteoporosis in order to reduce the risk of re-fractures.
The FSPP is implemented through 25 Fracture Prevention Coordinators (FPCs) who work with 36 fracture clinics across Ontario. These coordinators screen fragility fracture patients and work closely with orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals, diagnostic imaging, fracture clinic staff, and primary care providers to ensure that patients receive integrated and appropriate post-fracture care.
The objectives of the FSPP include:
- Improving identification of at-risk patients and fracture risk assessment: The program aims to identify patients who are at risk for osteoporosis and fractures through comprehensive screening and assessment, including the use of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing.
- Ensuring appropriate use of diagnostic and assessment tools: The FSPP promotes the appropriate use of diagnostic and assessment tools, such as BMD testing, to support fracture risk assessment and osteoporosis diagnosis.
- Improving quality of support within fracture clinic settings: The program focuses on improving the quality of support provided to at-risk patients within fracture clinic settings, including education, counseling, and referral to appropriate services.
- Promoting integration of post-fracture care and rehabilitation: The FSPP aims to facilitate the integration of post-fracture care, rehabilitation, and osteoporosis management for fracture patients in acute care settings, to ensure comprehensive care and prevent further fractures.
- Facilitating access to specialist support: The program helps facilitate access to local specialist support or telemedicine consultations for patients with complex needs or for patients in rural/remote areas, to ensure appropriate assessment and care.
Overall, the FSPP is designed to improve identification, assessment, and management of osteoporosis and fracture risk in fragility fracture patients, with the ultimate goal of reducing re-fractures and improving patient outcomes.
Fracture Screening and Prevention Program (FSPP) Sites
The Fracture Screening and Prevention Program (FSPP) was launched in 2007 as a secondary fracture prevention initiative aimed at identifying and assessing men and women aged 50 and over who have had fragility fractures. The program is currently active within 36 fracture clinics across Ontario and is administered by Fracture Prevention Coordinators (FPCs) who work closely with orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals, diagnostic imaging, fracture clinic staff, and primary care providers to improve patient access to integrated and appropriate post-fracture care. FPCs can be based within the fracture clinics themselves or at Family Health Teams in Ontario.
Fracture Prevention in Long Term Care (LTC)
The OOS LTC provides a range of resources and supports to help long term care staff prevent and manage osteoporosis and fractures among their residents. These resources include:
- Clinical tools and resources: The OOS LTC provides a variety of clinical tools and resources, such as guidelines for the prevention and management of osteoporosis and fractures, assessment and screening tools, and medication management resources.
- Education and training: The OOS LTC offers webinars, workshops, and other training opportunities for long term care staff to increase their knowledge and skills related to osteoporosis and fracture prevention.
- Patient and resident resources: The OOS LTC provides resources for patients and residents, such as brochures, fact sheets, and posters, to increase awareness of osteoporosis and fracture prevention strategies.
- Long term care resources: The OOS LTC also offers resources specifically tailored to long term care settings, such as falls prevention programs, staff training modules, and tools for implementing fracture prevention initiatives.
Overall, the OOS LTC is an important resource for long term care staff and residents in Ontario, providing tools and supports to prevent and manage osteoporosis and fractures and improve the bone health and quality of life of older adults in long term care.