Building on what we know: Using design thinking to tailor routine assessments and interventions for fall and fracture prevention in long-term care

Osteoporotic fractures can lead to a decline in physical function and early mortality in older adults living in long-term care. Management strategies such as exercise, diet and supplements, and medications may reduce the risk of falls and improve muscle strength and bone health among older adults with osteoporosis. Despite ample research to support such management options, older adults in their eighth and ninth decade of life are less likely to be treated for osteoporosis. The PREVENT model is an approach that embeds fracture assessment and treatment options in long-term care with the goal of preventing osteoporotic fractures. Before the PREVENT model can be implemented in practice (i.e., long-term care), it will be necessary to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementing the PREVENT model. After identifying barriers to and facilitators of implementing the PREVENT model, it can be adapted to create meaningful change in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures in long-term care settings.