[Role of self help in the spreading evidence based on medical information]

There is an increasing interest in strategies for dissemination and implementation of guidelines. Multidimensional approaches appear most promising. Self-help groups play an important role in spreading evidence based information on medical care and prevention for osteoporosis patients. They help their members effectively through direct and constant support. However, only 0.6 percent of all osteoporosis sufferers are organised in self-help groups. It would be beneficial if this ratio would be increased. In order to reach all target groups there is merit in working through other types of multipliers too. Two interdisciplinary initiatives, the Bone and Joint Decade and the exhibition project "Osteoporosis--revealed by Oliviero Toscani" are co-operating with the relevant partners including self-help organisations.