Fracture Prevention

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.