Launch of the Datasets for Argentina and Brazil: A Key Advancement in Data Collection in FLS
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), in collaboration with Capture the Fracture® mentors from Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in Argentina and Brazil, has developed country-specific sets of variables — FLS Datasets. This tool, comprising a set of key variables for assessing patients with fragility fractures in an FLS setting, is essential for optimizing the collection and analysis of information on the performance and effectiveness of post-fracture care programs, thus contributing to secondary fracture prevention.
What are the Country-Specific FLS Datasets, and why are they necessary?
FLS Datasets are standardized forms designed to facilitate information collection in FLS. They allow for more accurate recording of demographic, clinical, and follow-up data on patients with fragility fractures, in line with the 13 standards of the Best Practice Framework (BPF) of the IOF’s Capture the Fracture® (CTF) program.
Since healthcare systems vary according to the health realities and resources available in each country, it is crucial to develop and agree upon a specific set of variables that meet local needs. This ensures more efficient implementation and better utilization of the collected data.
Between 2021 and 2023, the IOF LATAM mentorship program conducted three surveys to assess the status of FLS in Latin America. The results identified three major challenges in FLS management in the region: 1) lack of support from institutional management, 2) limitations in fall prevention, and 3) difficulties in data collection and usage.
In Brazil, 48% of FLS coordinators surveyed in 2022 identified data collection as one of the main challenges in their centers. In Argentina, mentors highlighted the need for standardized variables to facilitate data integration into different hospital systems.
A joint development to strengthen FLS in Argentina and Brazil
To address this need, IOF LATAM promoted the creation of country-specific sets of variables. This project was the result of a collaborative effort between IOF LATAM and teams of local experts, developed over a year under the leadership of FLS mentors from Argentina, Brazil, and the IOF regional team. In Brazil, the initiative also received participation and endorsement from the Brazilian Association of Osteoporosis and Osteometabolism (ABOOM).
During the process, variables were defined in alignment with international standards but adapted to the specific characteristics of the Argentine and Brazilian healthcare systems. As a result, a set of standardized variables was made available in PDF format for download. Additionally, in Brazil, in response to the needs of local FLS, an online form version was implemented, making it more accessible and user-friendly for FLS coordinators.
Dr. Luiz Tikle Viera, an FLS mentor from Brazil, emphasized: "Having a standardized and accessible online form will allow us to collect data more efficiently and in a structured manner. This will facilitate comparisons between FLS and the monitoring of key indicators, improving the quality of care across the country."
Meanwhile, Dr. Carolina Habib, an FLS mentor from Argentina, highlighted: "Having a country-specific dataset for Argentina is a crucial step in the development of our FLS. Not only will it optimize information organization, but it will also enable the construction of a solid database to assess the performance of our fracture prevention strategies."
A strategic step for Capture the Fracture®
Data collection has been one of the main challenges for the Capture the Fracture® program. The creation of these datasets not only strengthens FLS management at the national level but also represents a first step toward data standardization in the region.
Mónica Caló, Regional Manager of IOF LATAM, stated: "The dissemination and promotion of this tool is the next key step to ensure its implementation. Our goal is for this effort to serve as a model for future initiatives in other Latin American countries. In Brazil, we have already conducted a webinar for FLS, where we presented a live tutorial on how to complete the form and access the online version. In Argentina, together with the mentors, we shared the experience internationally through the presentation of a poster at the SEIOMM congress in November 2024."
DOWNLOAD AND ACCESS
The Country-Specific FLS Datasets are available for download on a dedicated microsite on Capture the Fracture®(CTF) at https://www.capturethefracture.org/country-specific-fls-dataset. Access to the tool is free and open to all.
We invite all specialists to download and use the dataset in their units, contributing to the development of a more robust and effective database for the treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. This tool represents a unique opportunity to strengthen data collection in FLS across the region, facilitate comparative analysis, identify opportunities for quality improvement, and enhance secondary fracture prevention for the benefit of patients with bone fragility.
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Reference:
C. Habib et al., “Un set de variables para fracture liaison service de Argentina. Maria Carolina Habib, Fabiana Subies, Maria Diehl, Monica Calo, Guido Carabelli, Juan Pablo Guyot, Victoria Barrachina. Rev Osteoporos Metab Miner SEIOMM Nov 2024;16 (Supl. 1):17-84, presented at the XXVIII Congreso SEIOMM, in Suplemento 1, vol. 16. Oviedo: SEIOMM, Nov. 2024, pp. 1–89. [Online]. Available: www.revistadeosteoporosisymetabolismomineral.com