Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis in Primary Care

This inquiry report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Osteoporosis and Bone Health examined the role of primary care in preventing, diagnosing and managing osteoporosis. The inquiry found that many people were struggling to access GP appointments, investigations, and scans, with some having to seek private care to receive support.

Evidence showed that osteoporosis was not consistently prioritised in primary care, with limited access to diagnostic tests, low recognition of the condition as a long-term illness, and gaps in monitoring and follow-up. Clinicians described a lack of training and resources, alongside challenges using IT systems to support case-finding and early intervention.

The report recommended recognising osteoporosis as a long-term condition, expanding DXA services, introducing personalised bone health management plans, and improving training across the primary care workforce. It also called for the establishment of a National Specialty Adviser for fracture prevention, better identification of vertebral fractures, and a review of the case for a targeted national screening programme.

Read the full APPG Report here.

The APPG held four oral evidence sessions in 2022 and held a launch event for the final report in Parliament. You can watch the recordings of these meetings on YouTube. Minutes are available on request.