Enhancing Screening of Osteoporosis Among the Postmenopausal Women at the General Medical Ward
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
24 December 2025
To improve the percentage of bone mineral densitometry (BMD) performed among postmenopausal women who are moderate to high. The intervention shows promise for improving osteoporosis screening rates among at-risk postmenopausal women in an acute hospital.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 24 December 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workflow Redesign, Cost Saving, Quality Improvement, Productivity
About this Content
Aims
To improve the percentage of bone mineral densitometry (BMD) performed among postmenopausal women who are moderate to high risk osteoporosis category based on OSTA who are admitted to the inpatient general medicine ward (Medical C Class) from 9.1% to 60% within the duration of 6 months.
Background
Osteoporosis screening is not widely practiced in the GM inpatient setting. A significant percentage of healthcare professionals believe that most patients are elderly and at risk of osteoporosis in Singapore, yet many do not think screening is necessary in the acute setting.
Methods
The project involved creating awareness about osteoporosis screening in hospitalized patients, using OSTA for identifying patients at risk, and implementing a smart phrase in the Epic system to prompt screening. Collaboration with ITD and regular training of new doctors were also part of the methodology.
Results
The initiative achieved sustained rates near or above the target goal of 60% BMD screening.
Conclusion
The intervention shows promise for improving osteoporosis screening rates among at-risk postmenopausal women in an acute hospital setting.
Lessons Learnt
Challenges include misconceptions about BMD, lack of training for healthcare professionals, and logistical issues such as long waiting times for BMD appointments.
Keywords
Osteoporosis, Screening, BMD, Postmenopausal, Hospital
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | National Healthcare Group, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Ministry of Health |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | General Medicine |
Project Lead(s) | Tan Mei Ling |
Project Member(s) | Tan Jun Guan |
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Group Quality - nhggroup.QRM@nhghealth.com.sg