RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Audits of the prevention and treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in outpatients with rheumatic diseases in the West Midlands
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 183
OP 187
DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.6-2-183
VO 6
IS 2
A1 Z Paskins
A1 T Potter
A1 N Erb
A1 K Obrenovic
A1 IF Rowe
YR 2006
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/6/2/183.abstract
AB The management of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in rheumatology outpatients in the West Midlands was audited in relation to the 2002 Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Guidelines and re-audited in relation to the 1998 National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) Guidance. Practice was assessed from prospective data on all follow-up patients over a 2-week period in 13 rheumatology units. Data were analysed on 2,609 patients. Of the 626 patients fulfilling criteria for assessment against the RCP Guidelines, 351 (56.1%) were treated appropriately. The results do not allow for availability of, or wait for, DEXA scanning. Of 197 patients fulfilling the criteria for assessment against the NOS Guidance, 137 (69.5%) were treated appropriately, compared to 63% in a similar audit undertaken in 2000. Regional audit may facilitate clinical governance. These audits will inform discussion on both improving local practice and strengthening cases for improved osteoporosis services.