Healthcare professionals

The two key challenges facing healthcare professionals and commissioners of services are:
1. Case-finding patients at high risk of suffering osteoporotic fractures
2. Maintaining adherence with treatment in the long-term
National audit on the organisation of services and delivery of clinical care for patients with, or at high risk of suffering, osteoporotic fractures has been conducted by the Royal College of Physicians Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit since 2005. In parallel, since 2007 the National Hip Fracture Database has benchmarked standards of care for hip fracture patients. The 2007 QRESEARCH national evaluation of standards of care in primary care provided a comprehensive perspective in general practice

Click here for national audit findings
Osteoporosis is a long-term condition which requires long-term management. Considerable research has been conducted on adherence to osteoporosis treatment and the impact of sub-optimal compliance on effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice.

Click here for studies on adherence

The Breaking Point Report provided a snapshot of the current situation for women with osteoporosis in the UK.

Breaking Point described the practical steps that must be taken by healthcare professionals, policy makers and commissioners, as well as the public to prevent avoidable suffering and cost of osteoporotic fractures.

Politicans
In May 2011, national audit revealed that almost two-thirds of localities are not implementing Department of Health policy to prevent hip fractures. Learn how you can ensure your constituents are receiving the best quality care.
HCPs
Fracture begets fracture; half of hip fracture patients suffer a prior fragility fracture before breaking their hip. Fracture Liaison Services have been shown to delivery effective secondary preventive care, but most localities don’t have these services.
Commissioners
Hip fractures cost the UK economy £2 Billion per year which translates to £10 million per year for the average locality. Up to a quarter of hip fractures could readily be prevented if the right models of care were commissioned.
Patients
Simple and effective tools are available to your doctor to assess your risk of suffering a fragility fracture. If you are concerned about osteoporosis find out what you can do.

Amgen and GSK have sponsored the production of this web page. Sponsorship has included payment for a medical writer and payment to a public relations agency in respect of project management support.

Healthcare professionals

Politicans

HCPs

Commissioners

Patients