Fracture Liaison Service in Primary Care
Implementing a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) in primary care ensures patients with fragility fractures receive coordinated assessment, prevention, and long-term management.
Why an FLS Matters
Fragility fractures are common in older Australians, often marking the first sign of underlying osteoporosis. Without intervention, the risk of a second fracture doubles within two years. Many patients, however, go untreated after their initial fracture. A structured FLS model in primary care closes this gap by ensuring timely assessment, intervention, and monitoring.
Core Components of an FLS
An effective FLS in general practice should include:
- Case finding: Identifying patients over 50 with recent fragility fractures.
- Assessment: Reviewing risk factors, bone mineral density (BMD), and comorbidities.
- Initiation of therapy: Prescribing calcium, vitamin D, and pharmacological treatments when indicated.
- Fall risk assessment: Evaluating mobility, vision, medications, and home safety.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Tracking adherence, BMD results, and fracture recurrence.
Embedding these steps into GP workflows ensures no patient “falls through the cracks.”
Role of Technology and AI
AI-enabled systems support FLS implementation by:
- Scanning records for fracture events and automatically flagging eligible patients.
- Generating recall reminders for BMD scans, follow-ups, and medication reviews.
- Producing personalised patient handouts about osteoporosis prevention and lifestyle changes.
- Creating audit-ready documentation that aligns with RACGP and hospital partnership requirements.
This automation reduces administrative workload while ensuring consistent, guideline-based care.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
FLS in primary care relies on coordination between GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and pharmacists. Referrals to falls clinics or community exercise programs strengthen long-term outcomes. Partnerships with hospitals ensure patients discharged after a fracture are referred back to their GP for continuity of care.
Compliance and Privacy Safeguards
Managing osteoporosis and fracture risk involves sensitive patient data. AI-enabled FLS platforms embed encryption, audit trails, and role-based access, ensuring compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and aged-care standards. This builds patient trust and keeps practices audit-ready.
Conclusion
An FLS in primary care ensures patients with fragility fractures are identified, treated, and supported to prevent future fractures. In Australia, this model aligns with RACGP and national osteoporosis guidelines, making care proactive, compliant, and patient-focused. Therefore, GPs adopting FLS pathways, supported by AI tools, can improve outcomes, reduce secondary fracture risk, and enhance long-term patient wellbeing.