Additional needs assessments required

There is argument to be made for a needs assessment around osteoporosis given the significant danger of fragility fractures following a fall. Research conducted in 2013 estimated the treatment gap (i.e. the number of people who are eligible for a treatment who do not receive it) for osteoporosis is 54% for women in the UK.

This is particularly relevant given the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) removed the osteoporosis treatment indicator in 2019, meaning the treatment gap is likely to have widened further.

It would also be sensible to undertake a needs assessment looking at physical activity in older people, given the strong links between physical fitness and reduced risk of falling.