Fracture Minimisation (Osteoporosis/Osteopenia)
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09040
Max group:
12
Manage and prevent fractures by understanding osteoporosis, osteopenia and bone health care
Course Summary
Fracture Minimisation (Osteoporosis/Osteopenia)
This course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to minimise fracture risks in individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Participants will learn about the causes and progression of these conditions, strategies for fracture prevention, and effective management techniques to support bone health. The course also covers lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, and approaches to patient education and care planning. By the end of the course, attendees will be prepared to deliver effective, patient-centred care to reduce the impact of osteoporosis and osteopenia on health and quality of life. Key Learning Objectives: Understand Osteoporosis and Osteopenia: Learn about the causes, risk factors, and progression of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Differentiate between osteoporosis, osteopenia, and other bone health conditions. Recognise Risk Factors and Assessment Methods: Identify key risk factors for fractures, including age, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Gain knowledge of diagnostic tools such as bone density scans (DEXA). Implement Fracture Prevention Strategies: Understand lifestyle changes that promote bone health, including diet and exercise. Learn about home and environmental modifications to reduce fall risks. Explore Pharmacological Treatments: Gain insights into medications used for osteoporosis management (e.g., bisphosphonates, calcium, vitamin D). Understand the benefits and side effects of various treatment options. Support Patients with Individualised Care Plans: Develop and implement care plans tailored to individual needs and risks. Provide guidance on self-management and adherence to treatment. Educate Patients and Caregivers: Learn effective communication strategies to educate patients about bone health. Promote understanding of the importance of fracture prevention and long-term care. Monitor and Evaluate Treatment Effectiveness: Understand how to assess the effectiveness of interventions and adjust care plans accordingly. Learn about follow-up care and ongoing risk assessments. Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams: Work effectively with specialists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and other professionals. Understand referral pathways for advanced care and support. By completing this course, participants will have the expertise to reduce fracture risks, promote bone health, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Course Contents
Introduction to Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
Overview of bone health and bone density
Definitions and differences between osteoporosis and osteopenia
Prevalence and impact on health and quality of life
Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding primary and secondary osteoporosis
Risk factors: age, gender, genetics, lifestyle, and comorbidities
Medications and conditions that contribute to bone loss
Bone Health and the Physiology of Bone Density
The role of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients in bone health
Bone remodelling: formation and resorption processes
Hormonal influences on bone density
Assessing Fracture Risk Tools and methods for assessing fracture risk (e.g., FRAX score, DEXA scans)
Identifying patients at high risk of fractures Importance of early detection and diagnosis
Fracture Prevention Strategies
Lifestyle interventions: diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation
Fall prevention: home safety modifications and balance training
Weight-bearing and resistance exercises to strengthen bones
Pharmacological Treatments
Overview of medications: bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, and newer treatments
Role of supplements: calcium and vitamin D
Monitoring treatment effectiveness and managing side effects
Managing Osteoporosis and Osteopenia in Special Populations
Tailored approaches for older adults
Managing bone health in men and younger women
Considerations for patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities
Developing Personalised Care Plans
Steps to create and implement individualised care plans
Collaborating with patients to set realistic goals
Adapting plans to accommodate lifestyle and risk factors
Educating Patients and Caregivers
Communicating the importance of fracture prevention
Teaching self-management techniques for bone health
Supporting adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes
Multidisciplinary Approaches to Care Role of healthcare professionals in managing osteoporosis and fractures
Collaboration with dietitians, physiotherapists, and other specialists
Referral pathways for advanced care and resources
Practical Scenarios and Case Studies
Analysing real-life cases to apply fracture minimisation strategies
Hands-on practice in risk assessment and care planning
Group discussions on best practices and shared experiences
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;