Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the Osteoporosis Exemplary Care Program (OECP) on orthopaedic surgeons’ practice patterns at St. Michael’s Hospital.

Methods: A chart audit was performed to collect data on two groups of 54 patients identified with fragility fractures. The intervention group consisted of patients treated during the first four months of the OECP, while the control (pre-intervention) group consisted of age, sex, and fracture-type matched patients treated prior to implementation of the OECP. Characteristics of the intervention and control groups were compared using chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify significant correlates of OP care.

Results: Preliminary results from 54 matched pairs (108 patients in total) indicate that the OECP group was more likely to have OP risk or OP diagnosis documented (unadjusted OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.05–5.87), as well as to be referred for further investigation of OP (unadjusted OR 3.08; 95% CI 1.37–6.91) or to receive treatment or follow-up related to OP (unadjusted OR 9.01; 95% CI 3.77–21.54). As one surgeon was known to have been providing a high level of OP care prior to implementation of the OECP, the analysis was repeated after removing his patients. In addition, the analysis was repeated after removing patients who were already being treated for OP at the time of their fragility fracture. In both cases, larger increases in the likelihood of OP documentation and care were observed. Through multivariable analysis, age and fracture type (i.e. wrist vs. hip) were found to be significant correlates of having received OP care for patients with fragility fractures treated prior to implementation of the OECP. Following implementation of the OECP, there were no significant correlates of receiving OP care.

Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that the OECP had a significant impact on orthopedic surgeons’ practice patterns. Following implementation of the OECP all patients were equally likely to receive appropriate referral, treatment, and follow-up whereas, prior to implementation of the program, age and fracture type affected the likelihood that a patient would receive such care.

Funding : Commerical funding

Funding Parties : The Osteoporosis Exemplary Care Program is funded by an unrestricted program grant provided by Merck Frosst Canada and Co. Dr. Beaton is supported by a New Investigators Award, from the Canadian Institute of Health Research.