Improving and Measuring Osteoporosis Management

In the United States, an estimated 10 million people are living with osteoporosis, also called brittle bone disease.  Although osteoporosis is responsible for the majority of hip fractures, and accounts for more than eighteen billion dollars in health care expenditures annually, on average only 20% of patients are ever screened or treated for the disease.  The Joint Commission recognizes the urgent need for improvement in the care of these patients and now has available a monograph containing 10 voluntary measures of care, designed for a variety of healthcare settings and issued jointly with the National Pharmaceutical Council.  “Improving and Measuring Osteoporosis Management” is intended for a professional audience and contains clinical information and practical tips for implementing an osteoporosis improvement initiative, whether clinical care is given in a hospital, emergency department, rehabilitation facility, home health agency, or doctor’s office.  You may request a complimentary copy of the monograph or the Executive Summary, from Customer Service at CustomerService@jointcommission.org. In addition, the monograph is available for download in a pdf format.