A unique partnership has been formed between the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN), the National Osteoporosis Society in Scotland (NOS) and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) to assist in the implementation of SIGN 71: Management of Osteoporosis, an evidence-based guideline published in May 2003.
The Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative (OGI) aims to raise awareness of best practice in the management of osteoporosis as defined by the SIGN guideline and to encourage change in practice, where variation exists, to improve patient care. A steering group has been set up to define and co-ordinate the initiative and the Scottish Osteoporosis Industry Group (SOIG) under the ABPI has been formed to support it.
The Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative comprises of the following three parts:
· www.osteoporosisinscotland.org – a website, which has just gone live, has been created to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the management of osteoporosis in Scotland and to encourage everyone to participate in improving the quality of care for patients. The website will support the national conference and regional workshops and serve as an important communication tool.
· National Osteoporosis Conference – October 13, 2004, Hilton, Dunblane Hydro. A one day multi-disciplinary clinical conference to support awareness and implementation of the SIGN Osteoporosis Guideline. It is aimed at the many different disciplines in osteoporosis care in Scotland and along with keynote lectures, it will include a series of important workshops. For more information, visit the website or contact Christine Warkentin, OGI programme co-ordinator on 01698 540111.
· Regional Workshop Programme – October 2004 – April 2005. One workshop for every mainland health board. In addition to exploring the practicalities of implementing SIGN 71 locally, these regional workshops will seek to build on existing local initiatives, whilst sharing the experience of other regions tackling similar issues. For more information, visit the website or contact Christine Warkentin, OGI programme co-ordinator on 01698 540111.
Dr Patricia Donald, Chair of SIGN 71 Development Group and Chair of the OGI steering group said, “Although SIGN 71 was widely distributed to clinicians across Scotland, there were concerns that the recommendations made in the guideline might not be implemented without further awareness and support. The Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative is a unique and important partnership and with a focused programme of activity, we will help address these concerns.”
An estimated 3 million people in the UK suffer from Osteoporosis. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over the age of 50 will develop the disease. Without treatment osteoporosis can cause painful and disabling fractures, particularly in the wrist, hip and spine. It also costs the NHS and government over £15 million a day or, £1.9 billion each year.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Christine Warkentin
Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative Co-ordinator
Tel: 01698 540111
Notes to Editors:
SIGN
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network was established in 1993 to improve the effectiveness of clinical care for patients in Scotland. SIGN does this by developing, publishing and disseminating evidence based guidelines for NHSScotland. SIGN guidelines identify and promote good clinical practice and when implemented locally help to address variations in clinical practice across Scotland. SIGN was established by the Medical Royal Colleges and includes representatives from all the medical specialties; dentistry; nursing; allied health professions; pharmacy; health service managers; social workers and patients. SIGN maintains a comprehensive and user-friendly website. All the guidelines can be easily located and downloaded from www.sign.ac.uk
NOS
The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It offers support to people with osteoporosis and their families through a range of information booklets and a telephone helpline – 0845 450 0230. It has a large network of local support groups across the United Kingdom and works with healthcare professionals to facilitate greater understanding of the needs of people with osteoporosis. The NOS also encourages national governments and local health boards to resource and deliver appropriate services to prevent, diagnose and treat the broken bones due to osteoporosis. For more information visit www.nos.org.uk
ABPI - SOIG
The Scottish Osteoporosis Industry Group (SOIG) was set up in April 2003 under the auspices of the Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), Scotland, to actively promote improved diagnosis and management of osteoporosis through the implementation of SIGN 71: Management of Osteoporosis. The principal aim of SOIG is to work with other interested parties especially the members of the Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative to help improve the quality of care given to people with this condition. SOIG works with all relevant local agencies to ensure people with osteoporosis have equitable access to diagnostic facilities and the best available treatments, services and medicines for their condition. SOIG also assists the Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative Steering Group in raising the profile and awareness of osteoporosis among all key opinion leaders and policy makers.
