[Cost-effectiveness of implementing Osteoporosis Liaison Service program.]

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Osteoporosis Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Rising healthcare expenditures necessitate cost-effective disease management strategies for osteoporosis.
• Previous studies in the UK and USA demonstrated that Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) programs reduce secondary fracture rates and yield healthcare cost savings.
• Osteoporosis poses a significant public health challenge, particularly concerning fracture prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of secondary fracture prevention programs for osteoporosis in Japan.
• To determine if an Osteoporosis Liaison Service (OLS) program is a cost-effective intervention for Japanese women with osteoporosis post-hip fracture.
• To compare the cost-effectiveness of secondary fracture prevention versus no therapy in high-risk individuals.

Main Methods:

• A model-based cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted.
• The study focused on Japanese women with osteoporosis who had experienced a hip fracture.
• Economic evaluation was performed to assess the costs and outcomes of the OLS program.

Main Results:

• The Osteoporosis Liaison Service (OLS) program was found to be cost-effective in Japanese women with osteoporosis following a hip fracture.
• Secondary fracture prevention through the OLS program is less expensive than providing no therapy for high-risk patients with multiple risk factors.
• Implementing OLS programs contributes to significant healthcare cost savings by reducing refracture rates.

Conclusions:

• Secondary fracture prevention programs, such as the Osteoporosis Liaison Service, are a cost-effective strategy for managing osteoporosis in Japan.
• These programs offer a valuable approach to reducing the economic burden of osteoporosis-related fractures.
• Investing in OLS programs is recommended for high-risk osteoporosis patients to improve outcomes and lower healthcare costs.