185243 - Osteosarcopenia: Preventing falls and fractures in older persons

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, which leads to brittle and weak bones and increases the risk of fracture, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist. Sarcopenia is the progressive and generalised loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or function. Both conditions share common risk factors and biological pathways, and are associated with significant physical disability, poor quality of life, and higher morbidity and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated only a minority of post-fracture older persons are classified as osteoporotic by their medical practitioners, even when the fracture was associated with a fall and/or fulfils the criteria for a minimal trauma fracture.
The course is specifically designed for medical practitioners. It provides a comprehensive education on osteoporosis, sarcopenia and the newer condition ‘osteosarcopenia’ in older persons. More information: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/zgc6

Relevance to General Practice

Osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of morbidity and earlier mortality, and generate a great cost to the health care system. In Australia, the prevalence of poor bone health in adults in 2012 was estimated within a nationwide economic burden analyses to be 66% of people aged =50 years. This translates to over 4.74 million Australians aged =50 years. It is estimated that this number will rise by 31% to 6.2 million Australians by 2022. Despite the high prevalence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and osteosarcopenia in Australia, our GPs may likely be unaware of the importance of these diseases. Designed to update and explain the biological mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and treatment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in older persons, which is relevant and applicable to their own clinical practice.

Learning outcomes

Identify common and specific risk factors for osteoporosis and sarcopenia

Use online risk identification algorithms for falls and fractures in older persons

Perform appropriate clinical assessment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in clinical practice

Recognise the principles of imaging as a diagnostic method for osteoporosis and sarcopenia

Implement a non-pharmacological care plan for osteosarcopenic patients

Domains of General Practice

D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

D3. Population health and the context of general practice

D4. Professional and ethical role

D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

Curriculum Contextual Units

Adult health
Care of older people