Aims: Osteoporosis management remains a challenge in Australian healthcare, with recent national data suggesting only 30% of patients with dementia and osteoporosis receive recommended therapy (1). We aimed to investigate the prescribing patterns and guideline adherence for antiresorptive medications in patients with osteoporosis discharged from a Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) unit at Caboolture Hospital in South-East Queensland.
Methods: A review of patients discharged from the GEM unit over a three-month period in 2024 was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed all patients discharged to home, interim care, transition care, or residential care. Data on osteoporosis diagnosis, antiresorptive medication prescribing, and patient characteristics were collected and analysed.
Results: Of 36 patients (mean age 82 years, 47% female), 17 (47%) had an osteoporosis diagnosis (11 pre-existing, 6 new). Antiresorptive medications were prescribed to 65% (11/17) of patients with osteoporosis. For new diagnoses, 60% (3/5) received antiresorptive therapy. These rates are higher than those reported in Australian general practice, where only 30% of patients with dementia and osteoporosis receive appropriate treatment.
Conclusions: While prescribing rates in this GEM unit exceed those in general practice, there remains room for improvement in osteoporosis management. Further scope into this topic would include an audit loop to investigate barriers to guideline-directed prescribing to enhance care for this vulnerable population.
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