International Osteoporosis Foundation

Closing the gap in osteoporosis: It’s make or break for post-fracture care

Andrea_Puletto — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:29:04 +0000

Closing the gap in osteoporosis: It’s make or break for post-fracture care

Nico Reynders, Bone Health Mission

Andrea_Puletto Wed 10/04/2024 - 09:29

We can’t escape the facts. Around the world, the treatment gap in osteoporosis continues to be as pervasive as it is affecting; in an international survey last year, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) revealed that almost one in two women after the age of 50 and over experienced a fracture. Paradoxically, bone health – and the chance to identify and treat the underlying osteoporosis – was neglected during medical check-ups. The ramifications of this missed opportunity are huge.

Why does this matter? The impact on daily life for women with osteoporosis should not be underestimated, with fractures marked by excruciating pain, immobilization, and prolonged hospitalization, robbing them of their independence. This can have a significant impact on their well-being, leaving women feeling anxious and isolated. The lack of appropriate intervention at this crucial trigger point of the patient journey places a staggering burden on healthcare systems, with the cost of fractures in the EU anticipated to hit 77 billion EUR by 2050.

In the past year, we have made great progress in elevating secondary fracture prevention on government agendas – for example, the success in Japan following its reimbursement scheme for Fracture Liaison Services (FLSs) and last year’s announcement of a government-funded osteoporosis knowledge center in Stockholm, Sweden – however, global efforts to tackle the treatment gap fall short of what is truly necessary. And, with the global population aging at a phenomenal rate, it is rapidly becoming a challenge we can no longer afford to ignore.

Closing the gaps in osteoporosis

As global leaders of the bone health community gather in London this week for the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, we have a unique opportunity to confront some of the barriers that prevent us from the delivery of optimal patient care:

Knowledge gap: IOF’s survey highlighted a disconnect between the occurrence of fractures amongst women at high-risk of osteoporosis and the decision by healthcare professionals to perform a diagnostic scan. And, as described by Kassim Javaid in the latest episode of the ��ֳ� podcast, Fragility Fractures in Focus, the lack of a recognized ‘bone specialism’ has resulted in a lack of clarity around which practitioners ‘own’ this area of medicine, and consequently, how it should be delivered effectively. How can we therefore equip ALL healthcare practitioners with the knowledge and the tools they need to ensure everyone with osteoporosis receives appropriate investigation and intervention after experiencing a fracture?

Fragmented pathways: In most healthcare systems, patients who experience a fracture are often faced with disjointed pathways that are unable to deliver the necessary assessment for osteoporosis, once again, leading to missed opportunities for timely diagnosis, initiation of appropriate treatments and implementation of preventive measures to reduce the risk of subsequent fractures.

Patient education and empowerment: Empowering patients with accurate information, clear guidance in treatment regimens and supporting resources can enable them to make informed decisions and take an active role in their care by having effective conversations with their doctors.

Post-fracture care – make or break?

Fortunately, a means to bridge these gaps already exists. Coordinated, multidisciplinary services such as FLSs enable rapid referral, facilitate early intervention and improve secondary fracture prevention. These services provide a seamless pathway post-fracture by systematically identifying patients, assessing their fall and fracture risk, and carefully evaluating the most effective intervention, placing the individual’s needs at the center of care. FLSs have been shown to be both clinically and cost-effective , and are described as the single most important step in directly improving patient care and reducing spiraling fracture-related healthcare costs worldwide.

But having a solution is only half the challenge. Global implementation of coordinated post-fracture services is dependent on the close collaboration between policymakers, payers, healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry, and a unified commitment to elevate secondary fracture prevention as a healthcare priority.

We are proud to work closely with partners such as the Fragility Fracture Network and IOF, which look to make this vision a reality – IOF’s Capture the Fracture® program recently celebrated a tremendous milestone of 900 registered FLSs worldwide, doubling the number of services since 2019. To support those looking to start a new FLS or improve the performance of an existing service, we and our partners at Amgen established the FLS Academy and Network (FAN), an educational program led by a Scientific Steering Committee of international experts. FAN offers healthcare professionals practical resources, expert guidance and access to knowledge-sharing events designed to help overcome the challenges faced by those on the ground.

The evidence is in front of us – we already have the tools at our disposal to close the treatment gap in osteoporosis. Through a multidisciplinary approach and the prioritization of secondary fracture prevention on a national, regional, and global level, we can create a world free of fragility fractures.

To hear more on how we can close the treatment gap in osteoporosis, listen to the latest episode of Fragility in Fractures Focus here https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DZrvyPpQfQktd3OVFZj5y?si=2dee74488a4849b7.

innovation

342 Likes

Listen NOW to ��ֳ�’s ‘Fragility Fractures in Focus’ Podcast on Spotify: Episode two marks the start of WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2023

Vanco Vlastimil (��ֳ� S.A.) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Listen NOW to ��ֳ�’s ‘Fragility Fractures in Focus’ Podcast on Spotify: Episode two marks the start of WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2023

Adriaan Snauwaert, Global Communications & Company Reputation

Vanco Vlastimi… Fri 28/04/2023 - 09:00

A brand new podcast series - created specifically for healthcare professionals in bone health – is now live. In the unique “Fragility Fractures in Focus” series, a number of renowned experts in bone health will explore some of the most pressing issues impacting clinical practice today - how can the prevention of secondary fractures improve patients’ lives? How can we reduce the burden of fractures on healthcare systems? What role can FLSs play?

The second episode in this exciting series has just been launched to coincide with the start of the World Congress on Osteoporosis (WCO) of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO), in Barcelona (May 4-7). Hosted by Cesar Libanati, ��ֳ�’s Head of Medical Affairs, Bone, this episode (fittingly titled Breaking the Fracture Cycle) features special guest Dr Maria Talla, consultant physician in endocrinology and mineral metabolism at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Dr Talla, is clinical lead of the FLS in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which is fast becoming an example of best practice. She’s, therefore, perfectly placed to offer unique insights into the impact of FLSs on patient care and secondary fracture prevention.

‘Prevention’ is a key component of the P4 Health Spectrum (along with predictive, personalized, and participatory) which looks to shift focus away from disease to the promotion of a state of wellness, defined as ‘optimal health’. Every episode in the podcast series will be based on the spectrum, an increasingly recognized cornerstone of proactive modern medicine.

“The Fragility Fractures in Focus podcast series highlights ��ֳ�’s continued commitment to creating value for patients and the scientific community”, explains Nico Reynders, Head of Bone Mission. “��ֳ� is proud to showcase its continuous work at WCO-IOF-ESCEO, which aims to move the needle on all aspects of bone health and reduce the risk of fragility fractures.”

Curious? You can listen to episodes one and two of the podcast here (for healthcare professionals only):

Stay up to date with the latest ��ֳ� news at WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2023 through our social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn) and get involved using #WCO2023.

about ucb

WCO-IOF-ESCEO osteoporosis World Congress on Osteoporosis International Osteoporosis Foundation European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

231 Likes

��ֳ� at FFN 2022: Taking a united stance on the importance of post-fracture care

Vanco Vlastimil (��ֳ� S.A.) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 12:50:27 +0000

��ֳ� at FFN 2022: Taking a united stance on the importance of post-fracture care

Adriaan Snauwaert, Global Communications & Company Reputation

Vanco Vlastimi… Wed 19/10/2022 - 14:50

We are looking forward to coming together, face-to-face, with experts from across the globe at this year’s Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) 2022 congress in Melbourne, beginning – aptly – on World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October. We’re excited to share and debate the very latest data and thinking, with the ultimate aim of delivering on FFN’s mission to optimise the multidisciplinary management of fragility fracture patients and the prevention of secondary fractures.

This mission is very much in line with our own, which is why we’re so proud to work with FFN and other partners such as the International Osteoporosis Foundation through initiatives such as Capture the Fracture^®, a global program to facilitate the implementation of Post-Fracture Care (PFC) Coordination Programs, such as Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), for secondary fracture prevention.

Approximately 80% of individuals who have sustained a fracture due to osteoporosis do not receive the follow-up care they need, increasing the risk of suffering another costly and potentially life-altering break. FLSs provide routine assessment and management through a specialist multi-disciplinary team, thereby systematically reviewing patients’ risk for future fractures and their need for treatment, so they can receive optimal, personalised care. Coordinated PFC programs such as FLSs have been shown to improve outcomes of osteoporosis-related fractures and to reduce re-fracture rates and mortality, ultimately lessening the burden on healthcare systems.

Such is their value, Japan and Denmark have recently made significant changes to their reimbursement schemes in the FLS space – changes which recognise the importance of PFC and which position FLSs as an essential part of the treatment pathway. In Japan, patients who have suffered a hip fracture will now be automatically assessed for osteoporosis in line with FLS clinical standards. In addition, the fee to manage secondary fracture prevention, which is often a significant barrier to care access, will also be reimbursed. In Denmark, FLSs will be reimbursed in four out of five regions over the course of 2022 – 2023.

Spain, Italy and the UK have also recognised the urgency of dealing with the osteoporosis treatment gap; they are all actively investing in innovative new treatments and have updated guidelines to ensure patients can access to them as quickly as possible.

There’s lots to be optimistic about, but always more we can do. By bringing together members of the scientific community, patient groups, governments and industry leaders, events such as FFN act as a platform to facilitate the prioritization and implementation of PFC programs in even more countries around the world.

Look out for updates from ��ֳ� at FFN 2022 on Twitter and LinkedIn!

about ucb

FFN Fragility Fracture Network Capture the Fracture Fracture Liaison Services International Osteoporosis Foundation osteoporosis bone

357 Likes

��ֳ� supports launch of the IOF SCOPE-2021 report about the increasing burden of osteoporosis and inequality of care in Europe

Vanco Vlastimil (��ֳ� S.A.) — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 11:18:48 +0000

��ֳ� supports launch of the IOF SCOPE-2021 report about the increasing burden of osteoporosis and inequality of care in Europe

Adriaan Snauwaert, Global Communications & Company Reputation

Vanco Vlastimi… Mon 07/02/2022 - 12:18

The International Osteoporosis Foundation published its Scorecard for Osteoporosis in Europe (SCOPE) 2021 report which describes the epidemiology, burden, and treatment of osteoporosis in each of the 27 countries of the European Union plus Switzerland and the UK revealing startling statistics:

For every minute that passes eight new fracture cases arise in the EU.
It is estimated that more than 23 million people are at high risk of osteoporotic fractures in the European Union.
Osteoporosis and the 4.3 million fragility fractures that it causes cost the health care systems of Europe in excess of €56 billion each year based on data for 2019. Only 3% of this money was spent on medical treatment.

The SCOPE-2021 report aims to highlight the burden of disease in addition to gaps and inequalities in the provision of healthcare for osteoporosis in Europe. The call to action is for a Europe-wide strategy and parallel national strategies to provide coordinated osteoporosis care to reduce fragility fractures and their impact on individual lives, society and the healthcare system.

Together with the IOF and national osteoporosis societies, ��ֳ� is committed to raising awareness of the increasing burden of osteoporosis in Europe in addition to highlighting the inequality of care and access to osteoporosis medication. ��ֳ� is working hand-in-hand with the IOF to ensure that this report is widely disseminated and reaches key stakeholders such as patients, healthcare providers, payers and policy makers.

Through our Capture the Fracture partnership with the IOF, we can engage key stakeholders in these countries around the call-to-action to understand what support they will need to improve the quality of osteoporosis care including access to timely risk assessments and effective treatment options.

In addition, ��ֳ� is amplifying the key findings from the SCOPE-2021 report on Twitter and LinkedIn this week and will continue to support the dissemination over the coming months during key congresses and events. Please support by sharing and retweeting posts. For more information you can read the full SCOPE report here: SCOPE report.

about ucb

osteoporosis IOF International Osteoporosis Foundation SCOPE-2021 Capture the Fracture

823 Likes

Living longer with osteoporosis: managing fractures to protect quality of life

eCMSadmin — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Living longer with osteoporosis: managing fractures to protect quality of life

Scott Fleming, Global Communications & Company Reputation

eCMSadmin Fri 13/03/2020 - 01:00

Good news – more people are living longer lives. This can increase the risk of age-related conditions including osteoporosis. That’s why it’s time to do more to identify and manage those at risk of fragility fractures.

In the second of a series of thought leader articles by ��ֳ� personnel, in partnership with the Health Europa journal, we look at the future of fracture prevention. It is a challenge that has evolved in recent decades as life expectancy has risen.

Between 2015 and 2030, the number of people in the world aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 56 percent to 1.4 billion. By 2050, the global population of older people is projected to more than double its 2015 size, reaching nearly 2.1 billion.

This has significant implications age related conditions such as osteoporosis and fragility fractures. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), the increase in fragility fracture incidence across six European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK) alone between 2017 and 2030 is estimated at 23 percent.

These fragility fractures have the potential to impose a significant burden on a person’s life, often making everyday activities such as eating, dressing, shopping or driving difficult. Those that suffer a hip fracture face reduced mobility, disability and loss of independence. In addition to the human cost, fragility fractures cost health systems in the European Union €37 billion in 2010 and based on demographic changes, costs are predicted to double by 2050.

Treat-to-target

One way to enhance and individualise the care of patients with osteoporosis would be a treat-to-target approach much in the same way that people with diabetes are often set an HbA1c target. Patients should be educated on their current disease status, in addition to being informed on future risks and their implications, at the time of diagnosis.

Additionally, Fracture liaison services (FLS) have been shown to reduce the frequency of subsequent fractures, improve adherence to treatment and provide cost savings when correctly implemented. But action is needed such that the care that FLS afford become the standard.

Ultimately, greater prioritisation needs to be given to osteoporosis identification, education and management. We hope that with an increase in investment for osteoporosis and fragility research, innovation and education, we can collectively tackle the issues faced by those living with the conditions and support those HCPs who play a vital role in the patients’ journey in order to allow them to age healthily.

solutions

IOF International Osteoporosis Foundation Health Europa fragility fracture FLS bone

653 Likes

International Osteoporosis Foundation

Closing the gap in osteoporosis: It’s make or break for post-fracture care

Leave a Comment

Listen NOW to ��ֳ�’s ‘Fragility Fractures in Focus’ Podcast on Spotify: Episode two marks the start of WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2023

Leave a Comment

��ֳ� at FFN 2022: Taking a united stance on the importance of post-fracture care

Leave a Comment

��ֳ� supports launch of the IOF SCOPE-2021 report about the increasing burden of osteoporosis and inequality of care in Europe

Leave a Comment

Living longer with osteoporosis: managing fractures to protect quality of life

Leave a Comment

International Osteoporosis Foundation

Closing the gap in osteoporosis: It’s make or break for post-fracture care

Leave a Comment

Listen NOW to ������ֳ�’s ‘Fragility Fractures in Focus’ Podcast on Spotify: Episode two marks the start of WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2023

Leave a Comment

������ֳ� at FFN 2022: Taking a united stance on the importance of post-fracture care

Leave a Comment

������ֳ� supports launch of the IOF SCOPE-2021 report about the increasing burden of osteoporosis and inequality of care in Europe

Leave a Comment

Living longer with osteoporosis: managing fractures to protect quality of life

Leave a Comment

Listen NOW to ��ֳ�’s ‘Fragility Fractures in Focus’ Podcast on Spotify: Episode two marks the start of WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2023

��ֳ� at FFN 2022: Taking a united stance on the importance of post-fracture care

��ֳ� supports launch of the IOF SCOPE-2021 report about the increasing burden of osteoporosis and inequality of care in Europe