Through the Osteoporosis in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RAC-Fx) Project, our researchers translate evidence into practice aiming to reduce the occurrence of falls and fractures in RACFs by early identification of risk, appropriate investigation and prompt intervention.
About
This project aims to evaluate a simple, easy-to-use tool called Break Free that we developed for use in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) to increase the identification and treatment of fracture risk in residents.
The Primary objectives include:
- To develop a web-based version of the Canadian Fracture Risk Scale (FRS) (developed and validated by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), and evaluate its use in Australian RACFs.
- To evaluate an evidence-based Fracture Risk Clinical Assessment Protocol (CAP) embedded in the Break Free tool.
Secondary objectives include:
- To evaluate the fracture risk CAP implementation process.
- To assess the change in fracture risk management in Victorian RACFs following implementation of the fracture risk CAP.
This Project was supported by an Amgen – Healthy Bones Australia/Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society (ANZBMS) Clinical Grant
Funding Organisations
Partner Organisations
About the Osteoporosis in Residential Aged Care project
in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) to increase the identification and treatment of fracture risk in residents.
The Primary objectives include:
- To develop a web-based version of the Canadian Fracture Risk Scale (FRS) (developed and validated by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), and evaluate its use in Australian RACFs.
- To evaluate an evidence-based Fracture Risk Clinical Assessment Protocol (CAP) embedded in the Break Free tool.
Secondary objectives include:
- To evaluate the fracture risk CAP implementation process.
- To assess the change in fracture risk management in Victorian RACFs following implementation of the fracture risk CAP.
This Project was supported by an Amgen – Healthy Bones Australia/Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society (ANZBMS) Clinical Grant
Tools & Resources
Download osteoporosis for residential aged care resources including resources for health professionals, aged care residents & families.
Fracture Risk Factors for Aged Care Residents
pdf, 231.93 KB
Keeping it Together – Supporting Osteoporosis Knowledge in Residential Aged Care Homes
pdf, 127.16 KB
Recommendations for Preventing Fracture in Residential Aged Care
pdf, 254.59 KB
Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention Resources for Families
pdf, 96.40 KB
Talk Sheet: Accessing Information on Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention
pdf, 109.28 KB
Staying Healthy and Safe by Building Stronger Bones
pdf, 463.86 KB
Health Professionals
Quick Facts About Osteoporosis in Residential Aged Care Facilities
pdf, 163.08 KB
Safe Administration Therapy Tool for Osteoporosis
pdf, 158.65 KB
Residential Aged Care – Fracture Prevention Quick Reference Guide
pdf, 912.26 KB
Too Fit to Fracture Booklet
pdf, 726.01 KB
Too Fit to Fracture – One Page Guide
pdf, 1.91 MB
Residents & Families
Fracture Alert Information Sheet
pdf, 79.57 KB
Prevent a Fall, Protect Your Health
pdf, 439.34 KB
A Broken Hip, Moving Forward
pdf, 3.28 MB
Clinical Guidelines
Access the latest guidelines and position statements from industry bodies including Healthy Bones Australia (formerly Osteoporosis Australia) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Access the latest Consensus Recommendations for Fracture Prevention in residential aged care facilities:
View the latest clinical guidelines and position statements from Healthy Bones Australia (formerly Osteoporosis Australia):
Access the latest Aged Care Clinical Guide developed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP):
Fracture Risk Tool
Our collaborators at the GERAS Centre for Aging Research (Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences), McMaster University in Canada have previously designed, developed, validated and published results related to a web-based Fracture Risk Scale (FRS) developed for use by Canadian General Practitioners working in RACFs.
The FRS was designed to be used at the time of admission and as part of routine ongoing care, to help manage the risk of fracture in residents of RACFs. It is now routinely used in Canadian RACFs.
To increase fracture risk identification in Australian RACFs, we’ve developed a web-based version of the FRS, called Break Free, for use in Australian RACFs. We anticipate that the use of Break Free will increase the identification of fracture risk in newly admitted residents in Australian RACFs and in residents following admission.
The Break Free tool will also provide tailored management recommendations for individual residents for consideration by health professionals.
How to participate
If you’re a health professional who practises at a RACF and are interested in participating in the assessment of this tool, send an access request to contact@aimss.org.au.
Access Break Free
If you’ve already received the login details – access the Fracture Risk tool here.