Grant: Project Grant

A fragility fracture is one that happens after a slip, trip, or fall from standing height or less (for example, slipping on ice and breaking a wrist). Over 131,000 Canadians have one of these fractures every year. In general, this type of fracture predicts future fractures, such as devastating hip fractures, and is a sign of poor bone health that requires treatment. Treatment, which includes vitamin D, calcium, and often medication, is known to reduce the chance of future fractures. However, fracture patients often do not follow recommendations for bone health treatment. One reason for this is that they may not have anyone to help them at home after the fracture. This may prevent patients from looking after their own bone health or getting to their appointments with doctors. To date, little is known about the needs of individuals with a fragility fracture with regard to receiving care from a spouse or family member at home. We will interview sixty fragility fracture patients, aged 50 and older. These individuals will be recruited from four fracture clinics in Ontario. We will ask patients to describe their experiences with their fracture and their bone health as well as what kinds of care they needed and who cared for them. Our research will inform the development of programs to address the needs of individuals with a fracture. For example, we might refer patients who need care to a special care coordinator who will direct them to services and resources. It is important that fracture patients follow treatment recommendations for their bone health because treatment can prevent future fractures like a hip fracture. If patients follow recommendations, this will help decrease health care costs in Canada related to fractures including admission to hospitals, extended care facilities, and nursing homes.