83 * THE IMPACT OF LOW PERSISTENCE WITH OSTEOPOROSIS MEDICATION

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoporotic fractures are estimated to cost the NHS £2.3 billion annually. We aim to assess the financial impact of low persistence with bisphosphonate therapy and fracture burden in an arbitrary population. Methods: We projected data based on fracture numbers and cost using a predictive costing tool which is the intellectual property of GlaxoSmithKline/Amgen. The tool uses current epidemiological and research data. GSK and Amgen were not involved in the preparation of this poster. The financial cost of fractures was calculated using Healthcare Resource Group tariff. Results: Within an arbitrary population of 300,000, which is similar to the size of a city such as Nottingham, we estimate that 55,559 are post-menopausal women. 17,984 are at risk of fractures. The estimated numbers of wrist, hip and vertebrae fractures are 323, 219 and 235 respectively. The healthcare cost of fractures accounts to over £3.4million. Of women who sustain a hip fracture, 8.6% will require care within a nursing home with an additional cost of £476,537. Percentage of patients persisting with oral alendronate, risedronate and strontium are 45%, 46% and 27% respectively at one year. The cost of fractures secondary to non-persistence is £330,110 with an additional cost to nursing homes of £46,415 at one year and at 3 years will rise to over £1.5million. Conclusions: Non-persistence with bisphosphonate therapy is multi-factorial and is associated with significant health and financial burden. Implementing methods to improve medication taking habits, such as patient education programmes along with focus on parenteral therapies will improve clinical and financial outcomes.