GEN-C presents: Osteoporosis

The Global Education Network for Chiropractic is a collaboration between the European Academy of Chiropractic, Chiropractic Australia, and The Royal College of Chiropractors. The GEN-C brings you online evidence-based CPD developed by leading experts in our profession. More information about the GEN-C and available CPD can be found at www.genchiro.org.

Osteoporosis is a global problem on a huge scale, and is associated with disability and loss of independence. Fractures due to osteoporosis are a significant and growing public health concern and chiropractors are well-placed to identify those at risk and support them to make the necessary lifestyle and other practical changes to help limit that risk, as well as making appropriate referrals. This module provides an overview of the assessment and management of patients with osteoporosis, and those at risk of osteoporotic fracture. It uses the Royal College of Chiropractors’ Quality Standard on Osteoporosis to outline a chiropractic-specific approach to the risk assessment of patients, the appropriate use of investigations, and a guide to conservative management. Best practice is described throughout the patient journey, with an emphasis on evidence-based, patient-centred care.

Course Learning Objectives

On completion of the course you will be able to;

• appreciate the scale and impact that osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures, have on those effected
• perform a detailed risk assessment of patients, with a good knowledge and understanding of the primary and secondary risk factors
• determine when to use validated risk assessment tools and how to interpret their findings
• understand the differences, and appropriate use, of the various techniques available to measure bone density
• care for patients with osteoporosis by using a range of conservative (non-pharmacological) interventions to make positive changes to the modifiable risk factors
• provide patient-centred care based on shared decision-making and promoting supportive self-management

Stuart Smellie

Stuart is the Director of Academic Affairs for the Royal College of Chiropractors and has led a campaign to improve quality of care by promoting professional excellence, good clinical governance and the writing of the Royal College’s Quality Standards. He graduated from AECC in 1991 and has been involved in post-graduate education, in a number of different roles, for over 25 years. Stuart lectures in the UK and overseas on a variety of subjects including high quality evidence-based care, clinical governance, and professional standards. He is also involved with the EAC Special Interest Group for Clinical Chiropractic developing workshops in advanced practitioner skills. Stuart sits on the Professional Conduct Committee of the GCC and is also a chiropractic examiner. He has remained in clinical practice thought his career and has won multiple practice and personal awards.