Parliamentary inquiry finds systemic failings in osteoporosis diagnosis and care
On Wednesday 30 November 2022, staff members, volunteers and trustees from the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) joined Parliamentarians in Westminster to launch a report based on the findings of the All–Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Osteoporosis and Bone Health’s inquiry into primary care.
Primary care is the front door to the NHS, with GPs playing a vital role in identifying people at high risk of breaking bones before they happen. The inquiry, managed by the ROS, showed major shortcomings in osteoporosis identification, treatment and care. At the launch event, Parliamentarians and experts called on Government and the NHS to make urgent changes.
Freedom of Information data was collected from UK Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), Health Boards, and Trusts.
The report highlights:
- 90% of respondents weren’t aware if there is an identified clinician with a special interest in osteoporosis in any of their practices
- 97% of primary care overarching bodies did not hold information about five-year reviews of osteoporosis treatment, leaving people without follow up support
- Only 48% of people with osteoporosis were confident they were on the right medication
The findings highlight major shortcomings in osteoporosis identification, treatment and care, showing that 61% of people with one of the three major risk factors for a bone health assessment had not received one. Experts and Parliamentarians are now calling for a National Screening Programme for osteoporosis to give fracture prevention the priority it needs.
Read the full APPG report or find out more about the APPG Inquiry.