October 10, 2023

On October 10, 2023, a new guideline on managing osteoporosis to assist Canadian healthcare providers has been published by the Osteoporosis Canada 2023 Guideline Update Group in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

With over 2.3 million Canadians living with osteoporosis, this guideline is intended to assist Canadian primary care providers in the delivery of care to optimize skeletal health and prevent fractures in postmenopausal females and in males 50 years and older.

“We are hopeful that this Canadian guideline will empower healthcare professionals and patients to have meaningful discussion on the importance of skeletal health and fracture prevention to preserve mobility and autonomy across adulthood.” says Dr. Suzanne Morin, lead author and Chair of the 2023 guideline steering committee.

Advancements in risk assessment and disease management warranted an update to the Osteoporosis Canada 2010 clinical practice guidelines. The 2023 guideline contains 25 recommendations and 10 good practice statements with a focus on exercise, nutrition, fracture risk assessment, treatment and more – reflecting advances in risk assessment, and nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management of osteoporosis.

The guideline is based on the latest evidence and included patient partners in developing the recommendations.

“I am pleased that the new guideline addresses concerns so often raised by patients including issues on treatment initiation, drug holidays and falls prevention” says Larry Funnell, patient advocate. “Our voices have been heard. Patient contributions to the new guideline have been significant, whether as full partners engaged in all the expert working groups, or as one of the more than 1,000 Canadians who responded to the survey seeking patient input to the development of the guideline.”

As the Canadian population ages, it is important, now more than ever, for healthcare providers to implement the guideline into everyday practice to ensure Canadians living with osteoporosis receive the highest quality care.  The guideline will help care providers develop individualized and strategic care plans suited to their particular needs.

“The release of the Osteoporosis Canada 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline will support Canadian healthcare providers in providing the most current evidence-based information for patient centred care to optimise skeletal health and prevent fractures.” Dr. Famida Jiwa, President and CEO, Osteoporosis Canada added, “Tens of thousands of Canadians suffer preventable fractures every year because their osteoporosis was undiagnosed and untreated, and this guideline is intended to help close the care gap.”

This new guideline builds on the foundation of the 2010 clinical guidelines, offering important updates to improve overall care delivery and treatment of osteoporosis.

In the coming weeks and months, Canadians will see new information, tools and resources released on the Osteoporosis Canada website.

Access the CMAJ link to view the guideline here.

INFORMATION:

Tracie Napoli
Director, Fund Development & MARCOM Osteoporosis Canada
tnapoli@osteoporosis.ca
416-696-2663 / 1-800-463-6842 ext. 2286  

About Osteoporosis Canada

Osteoporosis Canada (OC) is the only national Canadian organization serving people who have, or are at risk for, osteoporosis. The organization works to educate, empower and support individuals and communities in bone health and in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Canada provides medically accurate information to patients, healthcare providers and the public and was the world’s first organization dedicated to osteoporosis, the first to establish bone health recommendations for long-term care residents and exercise, and the first to introduce fracture risk assessment. The Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) is made up of experts in osteoporosis and bone metabolism and is a volunteer membership. Comprised of clinicians, researchers and educators, the SAC advises Osteoporosis Canada’s board and staff on scientific and medical issues.