Physiotherapy Capabilities in the Health Care of Adult Patients at Increased Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures: A Scoping Review Protocol.

Objectives: This scoping review will explore and map the extent and type of literature related to physiotherapy capabilities in the health care of adult patients at increased risk of osteoporotic fractures and identify gaps in the literature.

Background: With an ageing population, osteoporosis and fractures and their associated costs are increasing. Unfortunately, many people with, or at increased risk of, osteoporotic fractures remain undiagnosed and untreated. The scope of physiotherapy has expanded over recent years with enhanced, advanced and consultant roles. This presents opportunities for physiotherapists to help reduce the osteoporosis care gap. Clarifying capabilities is important to ensure successful implementation of new roles and development of holistically competent practitioners.

Eligibility criteria: Literature will be included if it relates to capabilities of qualified physiotherapists involved in the health care of adult patients (aged 18 and over) at increased risk of osteoporotic fractures in any clinical setting. All published and non-published literature to include research studies, editorials, and grey literature will be considered.

Methods: A scoping review will be carried out in accordance with JBI guidelines. Peer-reviewed databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane, PEDro and ProQuest will be searched for literature between 2003 and 2025, alongside a comprehensive search for grey literature (including reports and government publications) from additional sources to ensure a broad representation of available evidence. Source selection will use the PRISMA-ScR flow chart against agreed eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be mapped out in tabular and/or diagrammatic format with a supporting narrative synthesis.

Trial registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/47UYE.