title: Audits of the prevention and treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in outpatients with rheumatic diseases in the West Midlands.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry.
authors: Z
authors: Z
authors: Paskins
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Potter
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Erb
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Obrenovic
authors: I F
authors: IF
authors: Rowe