P025 Do referrals to rheumatology meet the new British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) guidelines for adult patients with osteoporosis? A retrospective audit of a tertiary osteoporosis service

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) released national guidance in September 2021 outlining appropriate referrals to adult rheumatology departments from primary care. Our tertiary metabolic bone service accepts referrals from primary care, secondary care and internal referrals. Methods We retrospectively audited the new patient referrals for 50 patients with osteoporosis seen in our clinic over the 6 months prior to the guidance publication. 86% were referred from primary care, 6% from secondary care and 8% from our orthopaedic colleagues. 92% patients were female and 8% patients were male. Mean age was 61.7 years (range 17- 85 years). Results: We found that the majority of patients with osteoporosis referred to our specialist service were within the new BSR guidance (45/50 patients or 90% of patients). Reasons for referring patients outside of the BSR guidance included deterioration in bone mineral density without fracture and a family history of osteoporosis. Of these patients, four were referred from primary care and one from secondary care (another rheumatology department). Of the 50 patients seen in our clinic, 48% were advised to commence parenteral bone protection medication. 2% were advised to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) only. 6% were advised to either start or continue oral bisphosphonates. 38% of patients were advised to remain without bone protection treatment and monitor. 2% were given an alternate diagnosis other than osteoporosis. Conclusion We plan to undertake a further audit for a period of 6 months after the release of the guidance. No funding to declare Disclosure F. Baldeweg: None. J. Bubbear: None. R. Keen: None.