Commenting on the inclusion of new points for preventing and treating osteoporosis in the Quality Outcomes Framework indicators, announced today by NHS Employers, Dr Jonathan Treml, Royal College of Physicians is (RCP) associate director for falls and bone health, said:
The RCP is delighted that the GP contract will at last recognise the importance of preventing and treating osteoporosis, the main risk factor for fractures in over-50's, and a major cause of disability. This is excellent news for patients and is a testament to the hard work of many groups, charities and individuals in raising the issue, including the RCP, whose latest audit showed the shocking variations in care for people with bone disease and falls. The inclusion of osteoporosis into their contract will also give GPs the opportunity to work more closely with hospital colleagues to prevent fractures in future.