Osteoporosis is the underlying cause in 1 in 3 Dutch people over the age of 50 who end up in the emergency room with a first bone fracture. This chronic condition can seriously affect a person’s quality of life, but is often not diagnosed in time, writes the National Health Care Institute. Her report on this contains improvement agreements to detect osteoporosis earlier and to provide appropriate care, so that the negative effects of the disease manifest themselves less quickly and severely.
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Osteoporosis is a chronic condition in which the strength of bones decreases and the risk of fractures increases. In close consultation and coordination with thirteen scientific associations of health care providers, the Osteoporosis Association and the Dutch Health Insurers, the Zorginstituut has drawn up the ‘Improvement Signals Osteoporosis’. Concrete improvement agreements have been made with the associations and a fracture prevention care process has been drawn up.
Bone density measurement and more adherence
Among other things, it has been agreed to request a bone density measurement as standard for Dutch people over the age of 50 who end up in the emergency room with a first fracture. This makes it easier to determine whether someone has osteoporosis. In addition, it is recommended to conduct more research into vertebral fractures and to prescribe more bone-sparing medication for patients. Now only one in four people over the age of 50 gets a (Dexa) scan after a bone fracture and treatment often fails to occur. Many people also stop taking bone-sparing medication too quickly. Furthermore, patient information can be improved, according to the Zorginstituut, so that patients can make targeted choices for their treatment or lifestyle.
Also social benefit
The costs of improved diagnostics and treatment of osteoporosis are estimated to be nearly 20 million euros per year. On the other hand, there is an annual saving of approximately 13.5 million euros due to fewer fractures, an estimated nearly 1,500 per year. Less work loss and better retention of a person’s mobility and independence mean that better osteoporosis care can also achieve social and economic benefits.
Start of implementation agreements: autumn 2020
In the autumn of 2020, healthcare providers will take the lead in implementing the improvement agreements on osteoporosis. The ‘Improvement Alert Osteoporosis’ is sent to the Lower House by Minister Van Ark for Medical Care and Sport.
By: Nationale Zorggids
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