Time to reframe osteoporosis: a position statement to characterize the osteoporosis care gap

Abstract

Lay Summary: Many people who might benefit from osteoporosis assessments or treatment are not offered them and many people offered or receiving treatment feel their needs are not met. Barriers include lack of awareness, confusing diagnosis rules, poor communication, and a tendency of healthcare systems to focus on medicines rather than the whole person. This statement suggests we need to look at the “care gap”—not just who gets medicine, but who gets the right assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and support. To help people with osteoporosis, care should be fair, addressing the whole person, and tailored to each person’s needs, with support for making informed choices.