Real-world experience of using patients as partners in fracture liaison services (FLS)

Sarah Connacher; Patsy Stevens; Jane Kelly; Joanne Livingstone; Danielle Bishop; Susan Morris; Jacalyn Elliott; Kassim Javaid; Karen Taylor; Rachel Eckert

doi:10.1530/obabs.08.OC2.5

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Bone Abstracts (2026) 8 OC2.5 | DOI: 10.1530/obabs.08.OC2.5

OP2026 Oral Communications Oral Communications 2: Quality Improvement Projects (15 abstracts)

Real-world experience of using patients as partners in fracture liaison services (FLS)

Sarah Connacher ¹ , Patsy Stevens ¹ , Jane Kelly ¹ , Joanne Livingstone ¹ , Danielle Bishop ¹ , Susan Morris ¹ , Jacalyn Elliott ¹ , Kassim Javaid ^1,2 , Karen Taylor ¹ & Rachel Eckert ¹

Author affiliations

¹Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom;²NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

Background: Fragility fractures are life-changing events, and partnering with patients ensures that Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) pathways, communications, and interventions reflect the lived experiences of those navigating fracture consequences, recovery, and long-term bone healthinsights that clinicians alone cannot provide.

Methods: Oxfordshire FLS has embedded patient partnership within its service model since 2020, growing from one or two contributors to a stable group of around five patient representatives. Recruitment has occurred through patient feedback, interactions during clinical assessments, and collaboration with the local Royal Osteoporosis Society support group. Most representatives have personal experience of the FLS pathway. Their involvement includes co-developing written and digital communication materials, contributing to governance and quality-improvement activities, and supporting the implementation of a first-of-its-kind ICS-wide FLS.

Results: For patients, partnership promotes a more relevant and person-centred approach by addressing practical barriers to attendance, communication, and treatment completion. Co-designed materials improve clarity and accessibility, enhancing understanding of bone health and supporting adherence to bone-protective therapy. For the FLS team, working with patient partners strengthens empathy and communication skills, while lived experience highlights issues clinicians may overlook, such as travel challenges, media-driven concerns, or perceived side effects. This collaboration fosters shared purpose and contributes to staff empowerment. For the wider service, patient involvement in governance enhances transparency, increases accountability, and ensures decisions reflect real-world needs, strengthening confidence in the FLS pathway.

Conclusion: Patient partnership is a key mechanism for delivering responsive, effective, and sustainable FLS models, improving awareness, treatment adherence, and ultimately reducing secondary fractures while creating a more supportive and accessible service.