PO:20:010 | Coordinated outpatient pathway for osteoporosis: a new organizational model for osteoporosis management

Domenico Birra¹, Ornella Romano², Vincenza Sara Suppa², Mariavittoria Guerra¹, Carmine Fierarossa¹, Benedetta Tartaglia¹, Antonietta De Sena¹, Fabio Granato Corigliano¹, Serena Ippolito², Vincenzo Nuzzo¹ | ¹UOC Medicina Generale, P.O. Ospedale del Mare, Asl Napoli 1 Centro; ²U.O.S.D. Malattie Endocrine del ricambio e della nutrizione, P.O. Ospedale del Mare, Asl Napoli 1 Centro, Italy

Abstract

Background. Osteoporosis requires a prompt diagnostic and therapeutic pathway to prevent fragility fractures. This study aimed to compare time required to complete the work-up and patient satisfaction levels between traditional outpatient model and a coordinated pathway.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 120 patients attending a dedicated setting. 55 patients were enrolled in coordinated pathway including specialist consultation, laboratory tests, vertebral morphometry, DEXA scan, and nutritional assessment. The remaining 65 followed a traditional diagnostic process with separate access to each service. Data were collected on waiting times for instrumental and laboratory tests, total time to complete the work-up, and perceived satisfaction (VAS scale 0–10). Statistical analyses were performed using independent t-tests and ANOVA.

Results: The mean time to complete the diagnostic process was shorter in the coordinated pathway compared to the traditional group (7.8±1.3 days vs. 48.7±18.8 days;p < 0.01). Satisfaction scores were higher in the coordinated group (mean VAS 9.1/10vs7.2/10; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in age, BMI, or comorbidities, confirming sample homogeneity.

Discussion. Implementing a coordinated pathway for osteoporosis management reduces times and enhances patient satisfaction. This structured approach could serve as a replicable model for other chronic diseases.

Keywords

• Osteoporosis
• Early Referral
• Organizational Model