Osteoporosis and fractures among people aged 65 and over: recommendations for an integrated framework for action in Québec

Osteoporosis is caused by gradual bone loss associated with age. According to estimates, half of Canadian women over the ages on 75 suffer from low bone density and are at risk for fractures of the wrist, hip and spine. It in a major health problem that has numerous organisations around the world reviewing their screening, diagnosis and  treatment strategies, as well as recommending structured action plans to deal with this illness.

As part of  its involvement in reviewing health-care priorities, the Direction de la santé publique de Montréal-Centre asked AÉTMIS to conduct a thorough study of the recommendation available. AÉTMIS’s research provides a starting point for recommendation on an integrated framework for action to fight osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Québec.

The authors have based their review on the analysis of 11 reports prepared by national and international organisations. Conclusions emphasize the need for a framework that integrates and appropriately sets out population-related and critical interventions. The implementation of this plan will require leadership at the ministerial level and the involvement of many stakeholder from different fields.

AÉTMIS also recommends the development and assessment of various ways to identify people at risk, promote good health care among the young and prevent falls among people aged 75 and over. Other recommendations highlight the need to develop and implement a guide to good clinical practices, and to access its application. The guide must be updated to include any developments in the evidence available. A recommendation was also made regarding the priority to be given to research in this area.