Osteoporosis Directed Enhanced Service (DES) in Northern Ireland
Directed Enhanced Services (DESs) are special services or activities provided by GP practices. In Northern Ireland, they are negotiated between DHSSPS and the British Medical Association (BMA). Practices can choose whether or not to provide these services.
DHSPPS announced a three-year osteoporosis DES for Northern Ireland in 2008. GP practices taking part are required to compile a register of patients in the target group of older people. They are required to review each patient record for the key elements of care already being provided. They also have to complete a care pathway for those elements of care which found to be incomplete from this baseline audit, which could include:
- an assessment of the cause of a relevant fragility fracture
- the provision of written advice on bone health and falls
- ensuring that patients are taking an appropriate bone sparing treatment
- referring patients aged between 65 and 74 for a DXA scan
- an average GP practice is paid a sum of £2,588 per year for fulfilling its DES criteria.
An average GP practice is paid a sum of £2,588 per year for fulfilling its DES criteria. The scheme is due to run until the end of 2010/11.