The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Osteoporosis is exploring how people living with the condition are supported and empowered to manage their health over the long-term.
To aid their efforts, the SoR is calling upon members who have experience with osteoporosis to submit their thoughts and opinions to an online survey now, and share it with friends, colleagues and family.
Alongside survey responses, the society will submit an organisational response from advisory groups and the DXA Special Interest Group.
'Add you voice to this important discussion'
Sue Johnson, professional officer of clinical imaging at the SoR, said: “All radiographers and assistant practitioners involved in DXA services should share their experiences and insights. The radiographic voice is valuable in showcasing how DXA service provision is carried out in different areas and the level of support provided to patients in managing frailty.
“Please take the time to respond and add your voice to this important discussion. Your contributions can help highlight the significance of our work and the impact it has on patient care. “
All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) meet to discuss important issues on a particular subject, and members consists of MPs or Lords in from any party who are not part of the government. By inviting views from key organisations and individuals, APPGs help to raise awareness of a topic and drive work in the area.
By drawing on patient testimony, surveys and evidence from clinicians, pharmacists, Allied Health Professionals and digital-health experts, the APPG will “consider different aspects of the patient journey, particularly as they move between primary, secondary and community care. The focus is on what helps – or hinders – patients to stay informed, stay on treatment and stay fracture-free,” the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) said.
Key themes include the role of multi-disciplinary teams, digital tools such as the NHS App, and what can be learnt from other long-term conditions to ensure patients are always at the centre of their care.
'Your insights will shape national recommendations'
To inform the inquiry the APPG has launched a patient survey and call for written evidence. These are open for responses and submissions from 1 July, closing on 26 August.
It is asking people affected by osteoporosis to complete a short survey about their experience of care – including how well they have been supported to manage their condition. The survey is anonymous and takes just a few minutes.
“Your insights will help shape national recommendations and, we hope, lead to real change,” the ROS added.
Views from health care professionals, clinical experts, patient organisations, charities, academics and health policy professionals are all welcome. Further information can be found on the call for evidence webpage.
A final report with recommendations will follow later this year.
APPG and ROS
The APPG held its first oral evidence on Monday 30 June with two further evidence sessions to follow in the autumn.
In 2021, the APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health was restarted, and now works to raise awareness among members of parliament and NHS leaders of the importance of addressing how the condition is supported.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society provides the secretariat for the group.
Access the survey online here now.
To find out more about the work of the APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health, email [email protected].
(Image: Bone densitometry scanner, by Kalinovskiy via Getty Images)