Projects Leads

• Principal Investigators – Dr. Lara Cooke, Associate Dean Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, University of Calgary

• Co-Investigators – Dr. Christopher Symonds, Medical Director, Physician Learning Program, University of Calgary

• Project Manager- Ashi Mehta

Intended Outcome

To provide physicians with knowledge of the identification and treatment of osteoporosis in their patients both before and after a new hip fracture. The results may provide the impetus for the initiation of a hip fracture liaison service and a re-evaluation of the effectiveness of this intervention at a later date.

Background

Orthopedic surgeons play a crucial role in the care of patients with hip fractures. Unless deemed medically gravely ill, almost all patients will require admission to hospital and urgent surgery to repair the fracture. The vast majority of new hip fractures occur as a result of osteoporosis which may or may not have been diagnosed when the event occurs. Admission to hospital for hip fracture presents a unique opportunity to identify patients at high risk for osteoporosis. Hip fracture care pathways have already been designed in Alberta to help facilitate post-operative care. Implementation of these pathways with recommendations to the primary care physician to consider osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment can be challenging.

Data Source

Alberta Health