In the Netherlands, the Interdisciplinary Working Group on Osteoporosis (IWO), with an influential membership of 300-400 bone specialists and fracture nurses, has initiated a concerted effort to double the number of Dutch Post-Fracture Care Coordination Programs (also known as Fracture Liaison Services-FLS) on the Capture the Fracture (CTF) Map of Best Practice from the current 11 to 22. 

In its most recent issue, the IWB bi-annual publication ‘Osteoporose Journaal’  published the press release issued by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) to announce the launch of the Capture the Fracture (CTF) Partnership, an IOF initiative supported by Amgen and UCB in collaboration with the University of Oxford. This important global initiative aims to increase the quality and sustainability of FLS, double the number of FLS by 2022, and decrease by 25% the number of hip and vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis by 2025. In the same issue, a letter of invitation from CTF was published. The letter reinforced CTF’s support for FLS development in the Netherlands and underlined that “Capture the Fracture would like to work closely with local Dutch FLS stakeholders in reducing the burden of osteoporotic fractures and healthcare costs.” 

Prof. Dr Willem F Lems, Professor at the Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Centre (ARC), VU University Medical Centre, Department of Rheumatology and CTF Steering Committee member stated:

“The IWO wholeheartedly supports the IOF Capture the Fracture Partnership initiative, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration as we strive to increase the number of new post-fracture coordination care programs, and to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of existing programs in our country. We have an ambitious target, but one that is of critical importance given that hip and vertebral fractures are a major cause of disability, which can have serious consequences for the patient and pose an enormous burden on the healthcare system.”

The IWO plans to further discuss its plan of action during an upcoming meeting (via webinar) on November 18, with a further webinar on January 20, 2021 dedicated to Capture the Fracture. 

Dr Philippe Halbout, CEO of the International Osteoporosis Foundation and member of the Capture the Fracture Steering Committee added: 

“We would like to commend the IWO for its exemplary work on behalf of secondary fracture prevention in the country. In support of Netherland’s successful efforts in providing the right care to fragility fracture patients, we invite all fracture liaison services in the Netherlands to consider joining the Capture the Fracture programme so we can support and provide recognition for your efforts.”