Cooper University Health Care has received 2022-2023 Star Performer recognition from the American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone program, for the sixth year in a row.
Cooper, one of approximately 280 health care institutions nationwide that have joined Own the Bone, has taken initiatives to ensure its osteoporotic fracture patients receive the highest level of treatment and care.
The program is aimed to better identify, evaluate and treat patients who suffer from an osteoporotic or low bone density-related fracture. The program brings attention to the severe health implications of fragility fractures (broken bones that result from a fall from standing height or less) and the multifaceted approach hospitals or clinics can incorporate to ensure these patients receive the most comprehensive care.
To achieve the Star Performer designation, Cooper had to achieve a 75% compliance rate with at least five of the 10 Own the Bone prevention measures, based on patients screened and entered into the registry during the preceding 12-month period.
Dr. Jack Shilling, medical director of the Cooper Bone and Joint Institute and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, said patients can see the effect.
“Cooper’s participation in the Own the Bone quality improvement program helps to close the osteoporosis treatment gap and prevent secondary fragility fractures in our patients,” he said.
The need is there.
More than 10 million people over age 50 in the U.S. are estimated to have osteoporosis. The condition results in diminished bone strength, and fractures are often the first sign that a person has the disease. Unfortunately, fewer than half of patients receive the recommended osteoporosis care following a fracture. Failing to prevent future fractures can be deadly; nearly 25% of patients who suffer a hip fracture die within a year. The majority who do survive experience a loss of independence and often require long-term nursing home care.
Shilling said Cooper is taking the steps required to ensure better outcomes.
“As an Own the Bone Star Performer, Cooper has demonstrated a commitment to helping patients understand their risk for ‘fragility’ fractures and the steps they can take to prevent them,” he said. “These types of fractures can often have devastating effects on patients. We are proud of our work and are grateful that the Own the Bone Program gives us an opportunity to work with at-risk patients on an individualized basis to achieve better outcomes.”
