Research areas
The group focuses particularly on osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. The research includes fracture epidemiology, screening, early detection, and prevention.
A central focus of the group’s work is to improve the early identification and prevention of fractures by using data from the Danish national health registers to develop and improve predictive models and strategies for fracture prevention.
We develop automated, data-driven models and algorithms to identify individuals at increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. This is done using methods within machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence (Explainable AI), where we identify patterns and trajectories in health data that may help explain or predict the development of osteoporosis and fractures.
In addition, we focus on implementation in clinical practice, examining which factors enable the successful use of AI-based tools. Relevant stakeholders, such as patients, clinicians, general practitioners, and nurses, are involved in this work.
Strategic focus areas
Focus areas, objectives, and actions
Objectives
- Position the SEG group (Skeletal Epidemiology Group) as a leading national research group in osteoporosis.
- Attract new researchers and collaborators to OPEN.
- Initiate at least one new PhD student annually.
- Increase the visibility and dissemination of our research.
Actions
- Publish in high-impact journals with broad reach in the field and actively participate in professional forums and guideline work.
- Supervise PhD and postdoctoral projects focusing on epidemiology, AI, and implementation.
- Prepare targeted funding applications for PhD and postdoctoral projects.
- Increase the visibility of our research through conferences, workshops, collaboration with patient associations, and social media.
Objectives
- Establish a validated and calibrated risk model based on Danish register data.
- Determine optimal thresholds for high fracture risk.
- Compare the model with existing tools.
Actions
- Conduct analyses using national registers.
- Perform external validation in collaboration with research partners in Sweden and Norway.
- Involve PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in development and analytical work.
Objectives
- Establish a user council and collaborate with patients and general practice
- Identify barriers and facilitators of implementation.
- Develop practical guidance for clinical use.
Actions
- Conduct workshops with patients, for example using the World Café method.
- Conduct interviews and workshops with general practitioners and nurses.
- Involve patient associations and professional societies.
- Involve postdoctoral researchers and associate professors in qualitative studies and implementation research.
Objectives
- Develop and test a user-friendly interface for general practice.
- Conduct proof-of-concept testing in pilot practices.
- Ensure integration with electronic health record systems.
Actions
- Collaborate with an external provider to integrate the model into XMO.
- Test the model in 6–8 practices with continuous adaptation based on user feedback.
- Involve PhD students or postdoctoral researchers in technical integration and data capture.
Objectives
- Participate in cross-national studies and networks.
- Validate and adapt models in Sweden and Norway.
- Strengthen international research training and mobility.
Actions
- Conduct pilot testing in Sweden and Norway through CHOICE: Continuous Healthcare in Osteoporosis Case-finding.
- Collaborate with Oxford, Southampton, Gothenburg, and NTNU.
- Develop international PhD exchanges and postdoctoral collaborations.
- Actively participate in IOF and ECTS boards and conferences.
Research projects
FREM - Fracture Risk Evaluation Model
The ROSE study (Risk-Stratified Osteoporosis Strategy Evaluation)
CHOICE - Continuous Healthcare in OsteoporosIs CasE-finding