Osteoporosis Clinical Practice Guideline Concordance in Saskatchewan​

Background: 2.3 million Canadians are living with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Canada published revised clinical practice guidelines in 2023 that described pharmacological management based on low, moderate, or high FRAX score. The adherence to the guidelines in Saskatchewan is currently unknown.

Methods: The subjects include patients who have completed a bone mineral density (BMD) test in Saskatoon and had a hospitalization between 2023 and 2024. 262 patient hospitalization charts and imaging reports were retrospectively analyzed to obtain data points on the patient identification, risk factors for osteoporotic fracture, FRAX score, and active prescriptions. Patient FRAX scores were compared to active prescriptions.

Results: 68% patients were female, and 12% belonged to rural communities. 17% in the low FRAX score group were prescribed pharmacotherapy, contrary to guidelines. 38% in the high FRAX score group were not prescribed pharmacotherapy, contrary to guidelines. There was a weak correlation between the number of risk factors and the probability of receiving pharmacotherapy in the moderate FRAX score group.

Conclusions: The results highlight gaps in osteoporosis management in the province. Inconsistent adherence to management guidelines is noted regardless of FRAX scores. These findings will identify areas for improvement in provincial osteoporosis care and improve outcomes for patients with osteoporosis.