Overcoming chronic health issues to improve outcomes in any seting is challenging, therefore it is critical to involve patients and broader range of consumers in planning and developing health services, as a means to improving quality of services. A process through which health care professionals or relevant organisation's can improve the dialogue with patients and consumers to express their needs, present their concerns , devise strategies for involvement in decision-making process should achieve beter political, social and cultural outcomes to meet their needs. Hearing the Consumer voice and translating it to the appropriate action is a key priority of Healthy Bones Australia.

Whilst Patients Advocacy can play a significant role in many areas of health care system, including community services, aged care, disability , patient education and any complex/chronic condition in this presentation we shall focus on specific approach that Healthy Bones Australia is undertaking to enhance participation of consumers and patients who are living with poor bone health or may be at risk of osteoporosis. The approach focuses on the guiding principle of patients/consumer participation and taking responsibility for decision making and input into health promotion approaches, including a significant voice in support of Healthy Bones Australia developing strategies for improving identification of patients at-risk of bone fragility fracture and beter management of patients with osteoporosis. Additionally, consumers and patients play a critical role in ‘pushing’ policy makers for action to improve access to diagnosis and treatment.

In 2020 Healthy Bones Australia convened the Inaugural National Consumer and Community Forum to produce a national Position statement with specific recommendations and actions for the broader healthcare system to improve diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and overall bone health across community. The forum had a significant number of participants, representing a range of patients living with osteoporosis and other stakeholders.

The key agreed priorities for action

• Increase Community Awareness and Education

• Improve Risk Factor Identification and Diagnosis

• Improve Fracture Identification and Management

• Enhance Bone Health Strategic Engagement and Advocacy

Where to Next,

Healthy Bones Australia incorporated the Forum's action into 2021-23 Action Plan and utilising Patient advocates to build effective partnership and collaborations with key stakeholder organization's and groups, as well as with Federal Government.