Osteoporosis prescribing trends in primary care: a population-based retrospective cohort study

Source: Primary Health Care Research and Development Area: Evidence > Medicines Management > References Background: Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent and costly disease associated with aging.  Previous studies have indicated low intervention rates in primary care; however, there is little research investigating the prescribing patterns of osteoporosis medications by primary-care physicians. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study to examine trends in osteoporosis medication utilisation in primary care between 1 Jan 2000 and 31 Dec 2009 in Ontario, Canada.  All Ontario residents aged 65 years or older and eligible for public health coverage were included in the analysis (approx 1.46 million residents in 2000, approx 1.75 million residents in 2009). Results: Analysis of 10-year data indicates a trend toward higher utilisation of osteoporosis medications among elderly primary care patients.  In 2000, 100,038 unique patients were prescribed an osteoporosis medication by a family physician; by 2009, this number increased to 301,679.  ...
Source: NeLM - Care of Older People - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: news