Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB) clinical audit report April 2017

There are an estimated half a million fragility fractures in the UK each year – more than three times the annual number of strokes.

Fragility fractures are a major clinical event for patients, their families and carers. The direct health costs of these fractures are estimated at £4.3 billion every year.

With an ageing population, absolute numbers of hip fractures are projected to increase by 65% in the next 20 years. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)-approved medications significantly reduce the risk of the next fracture by 20–70% (depending upon fracture site). This is a substantial reduction in risk.

The aim of this audit is to stimulate quality improvement to ensure that each Fracture Liaison Service in the NHS is effective and delivers its service efficiently.The audit was initiated to measure the fracture liaison service primarily against NICE technology assessments and guidance on osteoporosis, and the NOS clinical standards for FLSs. All FLSs in England and Wales were eligible to participate.