Multidisciplinary consensus

consensus and multidisciplinary collaboration

We collaborate with professionals from different specialities (rheumatology, traumatology, primary care, pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, etc.) to build consensus on improving the approach to osteoarticular diseases from a comprehensive, patient-centred perspective. We work with organisations and experts around the world to share knowledge and promote joint projects for the benefit of patients.

Multidisciplinary consensus on the treatment of patients with osteopenia and fracture risk in Spain

OAFI promotes a multidisciplinary consensus on the treatment of patients with osteopenia and fracture risk in Spain, with the participation of patients, leading experts and scientific societies. Osteopenia is an underdiagnosed condition characterised by a decrease in bone mineral density prior to osteoporosis, which leads to a significant increase in fracture risk. The consensus proposes a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, early detection and shared decision-making, reinforcing OAFI’s commitment to improving musculoskeletal health.

Ref: Baquero Úbeda, J.L., García Díaz, S., Gómez Martínez, JC. et al. Multidisciplinary consensus on the management of patients with osteopenia and fracture risk in Spain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 26, 970 (2025).

Manifesto in favour of Osteoarticular Health and Combating Obesity

The Manifesto for Osteoarticular Health and Combating Obesity, promoted by OAFI and backed by 33 scientific, medical and patient organisations, seeks to raise awareness of the relationship between osteoarthritis and obesity. The manifesto calls on authorities to prioritise obesity prevention and treatment, incorporate patient experience, promote health education from childhood and offer personalised and accessible treatments within the health system.

White Paper on Ageing and Osteoarthritis: Problems, Challenges and Solutions

This book, promoted by OAFI and endorsed by scientific societies and organisations, provides a critical assessment of the situation based on a series of forums. The document offers a critical and up-to-date analysis of osteoarthritis, proposing comprehensive solutions from a multidisciplinary approach that prioritises quality of life, dignity for older people and the active participation of patients.

Recommendations for the prevention of fragility fractures: a consensus of international experts and Ibero-American scientific societies

An international consensus with ten key recommendations proposes improving the prevention and treatment of fragility fractures associated with osteoporosis, age and falls. The document advocates early detection, multidisciplinary care and coordination between professionals, administrations and patients to reduce their impact on health and quality of life.

Ref: P. Sáez-López. et al. Arch Osteoporos. 2025. 20, 76.

The OARSI Joint Effort Initiative: Priorities for the implementation of osteoarthritis management programmes and research 2024–2028

The study defines priorities for improving the implementation of osteoarthritis management programmes globally. The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) brought together experts who highlighted the importance of training professionals, promoting behavioural change, updating clinical evidence and addressing multimorbidity. They also emphasised the need to encourage adherence to exercise and strengthen collaboration in research. The approach must be pragmatic and equitable, especially in resource-limited settings. These priorities will guide OARSI’s actions until 2028 to improve the care and quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis.

Ref. J.L. Bowden et al. Osteoarthr Cartil Open. 2023 Sep 16;5(4):100408

Actions to improve secondary prevention of fragility fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: a Social Return on Investment (SROI) study

A multidisciplinary study evaluated the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of measures to prevent fragility fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in Spain. Four key actions—FLS, harmonised clinical guidelines and training, fracture registries, and social awareness—generated an SROI of €22.15 per euro invested, improving patients’ quality of life and reducing costs, demonstrating that these interventions are highly cost-effective and beneficial to the health system.

Ref: F.J. Olmo-Montes et al. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2024 Dec 24;16:889-901.

“The OAFI Foundation was born to give a voice to the millions of people who suffer from a disease as devastating as osteoarthritis. With an innovative, creative and action mentality, at OAFI we have pioneering projects for treatment and research. Our motto is: WE MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!”

Dr. Josep Vergés
“The patient is the raison d'être of the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI) and is the engine that drives us to work and move forward. Being an OAFI volunteer means taking sides and helping to carry out the initiatives promoted in favor of other patients and the Society in terms of health.”

Maria Teresa Vergés
“Communication is one of the central pillars of OAFI. As patient representatives, it is our duty to bring their voice to the public sphere and, in turn, transfer them the necessary tools to better understand their disease. Our role as disseminators and awareness of osteoarthritis is essential to help them understand and accept it. In this way, we will be able to improve their quality of life and prevent future cases of the pathology.”

Cristina Nova
“In order to develop the social activity of the foundation, it is important to raise funds that allow us to act autonomously and independently. From the foundation we have to thank all the people and companies that, with their contributions, allow us to continue working every day to help people who suffer from osteoarthritis and other oestoarticular pathologies.”

Marco Bibas
“The OAFI Foundation's R&D department plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and treatment of joint health, especially osteoarthritis. We drive the generation of new scientific knowledge, we explore new therapies and treatments, and we promote the exchange of knowledge, resources and data with organizations and researchers around the world, with the aim of improving the lives of those who suffer from this disease.”

Nina Martínez
"Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Non-Profit Organizations (ONL), in order to undertake actions that transform and improve society, we need the Corporate Social Responsibility of companies, since financing is necessary and in application of ethics and transparency enhances donor organizations.”

Dr. Baquero Úbeda

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Help us improve the quality of life of Osteoarthritis patients.

OAFI is the International Osteoarthritis Foundation, the first and only foundation aimed exclusively at people with osteoarthritis worldwide.

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