Reducing the Treatment Gap and Public Health Burden of Osteoporotic Fractures

Abstract

The healthcare system in Lebanon is heavily burdened by osteoporosis, but there are still gaps in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Despite data showing osteoporosis's increasing impact, systemic constraints continue to hinder effective management. Three essential components are examined in this policy brief to address these issues: (1) Practice Improvement: You can improve screening, medication adherence, and fracture incidence by implementing physician support tools, continuing medical education, and care models like fracture liaison services. (2) Public Education and Awareness: Although results on medication adherence are still inconsistent, educational interventions aimed at various demographics, such as postmenopausal women, men, and the elderly, enhance knowledge, treatment adherence, and preventative behaviours. (3) Obtaining Financial Coverage: By updating reimbursement policies and providing subsidies for osteoporosis medications, more people will seek treatment and diagnostic referrals, which will lower fracture rates and save healthcare costs. To achieve sustainable and efficient osteoporosis management in Lebanon, implementation necessitates tackling obstacles at the patient, professional, organisational, and system levels.