The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7219 p514
12 October 2002

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National Osteoporosis Society (more)

NOS primary care osteoporosis strategy published

The role that pharmacists and other primary care staff can play in preventing osteoporotic fractures and falls has been outlined in a new National Osteoporosis Society strategy document.

The "Primary care strategy for osteoporosis and falls" says pharmacists can ensure that patients understand their medicines and can encourage them to adhere to treatment regimens. Pharmacists can also offer advice opportunistically on bone health, to people of all ages and not just the elderly.

The strategy grades the effectiveness of current interventions used to prevent or reduce post-menopausal bone loss, and those used in post-menopausal osteoporotic women. It recommends that all patients starting therapy should be receive counselling on lifestyle measures to reduce bone loss. In addition, seven priorities for action are outlined, with the aim of helping primary care organisations achieve standard six of the National Service Framework for Older People.

These include using a case-finding approach to identify those most at risk of osteoporosis, identifying lead clinicians to implement the strategy, and establishing local osteoporosis interest groups. Both the chief medical officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson, and the national director of older people's services, Professor Ian Philp, have endorsed the document. Professor Philp said: "The NOS strategy uses an evidence-based approach and links to national priorities, making it a wonderful example of joined-up thinking."

BPC reports, p534