Quality improvement initiative enhances 52-week follow-up for fracture patients, indicating better osteoporosis management.
Introduction Fracture liaison services (FLS) aim to prevent secondary fractures by promptly identifying patients above 50 years with fragility fractures. The standard recommendation by FLS Database (FLS-DB) is to identify 80% expected fragility fractures, commencing treatment for 50% and monitor 80% at 52 weeks. Methods A quality improvement methodology based on the model of improvement; Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles was introduced in 2022. The fragility fracture case identification increased from 22.7% (2021) to 41.1% (2022) and 58.4% in 2023, a 149% increase. Process mapping for the Aneurin Bevan FLS (AB-FLS) showed that follow-up clinics were only ad-hoc and not formalised. A separate clinic code for annual review of patients, led by Speciality Geriatric Trainee was tested in 2023. One-year follow-up clinic streamlined service and improved performance to 25.9% (360 cases) in 2023, just above the national benchmark (24.2%). Our objective is to introduce multi-stakeholder involvement to further improve and sustain 52-weeks follow-up improvement to meet the service demand and national target. Results Multiple PDSA cycles led to AB-FLS Quality Assurance group including clinicians, Pharmacist, Primary Care General Practitioner as Influencers and three Patient Representatives. Team met formally every 3 months to review interventions and introduce changes. Challenges were overcome by providing a dedicated 52-weeks follow-up clinic. In addition, engagement with Primary Care for longer-term osteoporosis care unless requiring specialist bone health reviews is ongoing. In 2024, AB-FLS identified 2620 cases (70%; National benchmark = 39.9%) and commenced bone treatment for 1611 cases (61.5%; National Benchmark = 56.4%). The 52-weeks follow-up improved from 25.9% (360 cases) in 2023 to 62.7% (1010 cases) in 2024, which is more than double the national benchmark (24.2%). Conclusion This work is aligned with Welsh Prudent Healthcare principles of evidence-based medicine, partnership working with patients and meeting the unmet needs of the most vulnerable. Collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders including primary care and patient representative have improved 52-week follow-up in 62% fracture patients. The success of this multi-stakeholder quality initiatives offers compelling evidence that this model is scalable across Wales, providing a sustainable and impactful solution to managing osteoporosis and preventing secondary fractures.
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Scanlon et al. (2026) studied this question.
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