Patient perceptions of provider barriers to post-fracture secondary prevention

Exploring barriers and opportunities to improve osteoporosis care across the acute-to-primary care interface: a qualitative study

This qualitative study interviewed general practitioners, patients, and FLS clinicians and identified key challenges facing stakeholders seeking to improve post-fracture osteoporosis care. Local policies and care pathways as an initial strategy may address information and service delivery issues across the acute-primary care divide.

INTRODUCTION

Fracture liaison services (FLS) can be effective for secondary fracture prevention, but long-term adherence to therapies remains suboptimal. Few studies have explored how services manage the transition between tertiary and primary post-fracture care. This study mapped service processes and factors influencing integration of post-clinic care, identifying barriers, supports, and opportunities for seamless healthcare.

METHODS

Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with FLS stakeholders at two metropolitan hospitals in New South Wales (NSW) and surrounding general practices.

RESULTS

Seven FLS clinicians, 11 general practitioners (GPs), and seven patients were interviewed. Six key themes emerged on the transition of patient care from tertiary to primary care (PC). Interprofessional communication issues and role ambiguity posed threats to seamless care. Delayed, absent, inaccessible, or poor-quality communication frustrated GPs, while FLS clinicians lacked confidence in existing communication systems and desired bidirectional communication with PC. GPs were confident managing osteoporosis, but FLS clinicians had limited confidence that patients would discuss osteoporosis with their GP and that GPs would action recommendations. Effective PC follow-up required a positive GP-patient relationship and that patients perceived a need to engage with PC. Patient understanding of osteoporosis (influenced by patient education, knowledge, beliefs, and health behaviours) affected PC attendance. Limited public awareness of osteoporosis and healthcare policy deficits contributed to care gaps.

CONCLUSION

Key challenges were identified facing stakeholders seeking to improving post-clinic osteoporosis care. Development and implementation of local, integrated acute-community policies and care pathways as an initial intervention may address information and service delivery issues across the acute-PC divide.

Barriers and Expectations for Patients in Post-Osteoporotic Fracture Care in France: The EFFEL Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to quantify the relative importance of barriers to better secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures and of care expectations expressed by patients with osteoporotic fractures in France.

METHODS

A qualitative exploration of potential barriers to care and expectations was undertaken through a systematic literature review and in-depth patients interviews. A list of 21 barriers and 21 expectations was identified. These were presented to 324 subjects with osteoporotic fractures, identified in a representative sample of the French population, in the form of best-worst scaling questionnaires. Patients rated the relative importance of the attributes, and arithmetic mean importance scores were calculated and ranked. A Bayesian hierarchical model was also performed to generate a relative importance score. Latent class analysis was performed to identify potential subgroups of patients with different response profiles.

RESULTS

A total of 7 barriers were rated as the most important, relating to awareness of osteoporosis and coordination of care. The highest-ranked barrier, "my fracture is not related to osteoporosis," was significantly more important than all the others (mean importance score 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.56). A similar ranking of attributes was obtained with both the arithmetic and the Bayesian approach. For expectations, no clear hierarchy of attributes was identified. Latent class analysis discriminated 3 classes of respondents with significant differences in response profiles (the educated environmentalists, the unaware, and the victims of the system).

CONCLUSIONS

Better quality of care of osteoporosis and effective secondary fracture prevention will require improvements in patient education, training of healthcare professionals, and coordination of care.

Epidemiology of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and management of associated fracture risk in Japan

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is associated with a high fracture risk. Practice guidelines by the Japanese Society for Bone and Mineral Research in 2014 recommend bone densitometry and appropriate treatment to reduce this risk. The study objectives were to describe characteristics of GIOP patients in Japan and to evaluate their management in a subgroup of patients without comorbid cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed using the Medical Data Vision (MDV) database from Japan. Adult patients initiating oral glucocorticoid treatment with a total GIOP risk score ≥ 3, based on the 2014 practice guideline, identified between 2009 and 2019 were eligible. A subgroup of patients without any cancer diagnosis was also identified. Data were extracted on demographics, concurrent medical conditions, use of bone densitometry, and osteoporosis treatment.

RESULTS

25,569 patients were eligible, of whom 12,227 had a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Mean age was 68.5 years and 12,356 patients (48.3%) were women. Concurrent medical conditions of interest were documented in 14,887 patients, most frequently rheumatoid arthritis (n = 4185) and asthma (n = 3085). Yearly bone densitometry was performed in 6.5% (n = 865) of the cancer-free subgroup; 51.8% (n = 6905) were prescribed an osteoporosis treatment, most frequently bisphosphonates (n = 5132; 74.3%). Between 2011 and 2018, rates of densitometry were stable, whereas prescription rates increased from 40.0 to 51.8%.

CONCLUSION

In spite of publication of guidelines for GIOP management, there is an important treatment gap in their application in everyday practice. For this reason, public health measures to increase physician awareness of GIOP are needed.

Insufficient increase in bone mineral density testing rates and pharmacotherapy after hip and vertebral fracture: analysis of the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan

Test and treatment rates for osteoporosis in Japan aimed at preventing secondary fragility fractures were insufficient. Those who suffered hip fractures had approximately half the rates of those who suffered vertebral fractures, with such rates being lower among those over 80 years old and males.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to examine the care gap for secondary fracture prevention in Japan given the few large-scale studies regarding the matter.

METHODS

Changes in bone mineral density testing (test rate) and osteoporosis pharmacotherapy administration (treatment rate) rates before and after hip and vertebral fracture registration were examined using medical insurance data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan issued from April 2012 to March 2019.

RESULTS

The hip fracture group comprised 677,480 women and 264,003 men, the vertebral fracture group comprised 703,247 women and 251,542 men, and the mixed fracture group comprised 3614 women and 1055 men. Test rates were 14.1%, 25.3%, and 17.6% prior to fracture registration (pre-registration) and 22.3%, 43.6%, and 28.1% after fracture registration (post-registration) in the hip, vertebral, and mixed fracture groups, respectively. Moreover, pre-registration treatment rates were 21.2%, 33.5%, and 30.7%, while post-registration rates were 31.6%, 61.7%, and 46.6% in the hip, vertebral, and mixed fracture groups, respectively. All fracture groups showed a tendency for decreased post-registration test and treatment rates among those aged over 80 years old, with men having lower rates. Moreover, 184,180 (19.4% of whom received new treatment) and 707,263 (23.8% of whom received new treatment) patients with and without polypharmacy underwent treatment after registration, respectively.

CONCLUSION

To bridge the care gap following fractures, medical professionals should change their perception regarding osteoporosis treatment in patients with hip fractures, elderly individuals undergoing polypharmacy, and males.

Uptake of an exercise class and use of bone density measurement after advice by the health insurance fund: results from the osteoporotic fracture prevention program in rural areas (OFRA)

BACKGROUND

OFRA is a large health insurance fund-driven program which aims to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in older people living in rural areas. The programme offered specific mobility and falls prevention classes and bone density measurement by a DXA scan free of charge to more than 10,000 people, and was promoted by staff of the health insurance fund either by a visit at home, or a phone call, or a visit at home and a subsequent phone call. The aim of this study was to analyse the uptake of an exercise class and the use of a DXA scan after advice.

METHODS

Telephone interviews were conducted in a randomly selected subgroup of 780 persons 9 months after first contact. Rates of uptake of an exercise class or use of a DXA scan were calculated. Predictors of uptake and use were analysed applying logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The rate of uptake after advice for specific mobility and fall prevention class was 29.6%. For DXA scan, the rate of use after advice was 16.7%. Rates of uptake and use increased if the first contact by a visit at home or a phone call was followed by an additional subsequent phone call.

CONCLUSION

A direct motivational approach in older people by a health insurance fund is feasible and results in relevant participation and utilization rates in exercise classes and DXA scans.

Group-based Trajectory Modeling: A Novel Approach to Classifying Discriminative Functional Status Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Study of a 3-year Follow-up Group

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospectively collected database.

OBJECTIVE

To delineate and visualize trajectories of the functional status in surgically-treated adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Classifying long-term recovery following ASD surgery is not well defined.

METHODS

One thousand one hundred seventy-one surgically-treated patients with a minimum of 3-year follow-up were included. The group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct trajectories of functional status over time, measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patient profiles were then compared according to the observed functional patterns.

RESULTS

The GBTM identified four distinct functional patterns. The first group (10.0%) started with minimal disability (ODI: 15 ± 10) and ended up almost disability-free (low-low). The fourth group (21.5%) began with high ODI (66 ± 11) and improvement was minimal (high-high). Groups two (40.1%) and three (28.4%) had moderate disability (ODI: 39 ± 11 vs. 49 ± 11, P < 0.001) before surgery. Following surgery, marked improvement was seen in group two (median-low), but deterioration/no change was observed in group three (median-high). The low-low group primarily included adult idiopathic scoliosis, while the high-high group had the oldest and the most severe patients as compared with the rest of the groups. A subgroup analysis was performed between groups two and three with propensity score matching on age, body mass index, baseline physical component score (PCS), and severity of deformity. Notably, the baseline mental status of the median-high group was significantly worse than that of the median-low group, though the differences in demographics, surgery, and deformity no longer existed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with moderate-to-low disability are more likely to obtain better functional postoperative outcomes. Earlier surgical interventions should be considered to prevent progression of deformity, and to optimize favorable outcomes. Greatest improvement appears to occur in moderately disabled patients with good mental health. GBTM permits classification into distinct groups, which can help in surgical decision making and setting expectations regarding recovery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Insufficient increase in bone mineral density testing rates and pharmacotherapy after hip fracture in Japan

INTRODUCTION

Only a few large-scale studies have examined the care gap in Japan. The present study aims to examine the care gap for secondary fracture prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Changes in the rates of bone mineral density testing (test rate) and osteoporosis pharmacotherapy administration (treatment rate) before and after hip and vertebral fracture registration were examined based on medical insurance data from the medical care system for elderly individuals in Hokkaido, Japan, issued from July 2013 to December 2018.

RESULTS

The hip fracture group comprised 18,258 women and 4162 men, whereas the vertebral fracture group comprised 34,907 women and 9958 men. Test rates were 0.2% and 1.4% prior to fracture registration (pre-registration) and 19.9% and 40.5% after fracture registration (post-registration) in the hip and vertebral fracture groups, respectively. Moreover, pre-registration treatment rates were 18.3% and 28.2% and post-registration rates were 32.7% and 61.0% in the hip and vertebral fracture groups, respectively. The vertebral fracture group had a significantly higher post-registration test and treatment rates than the hip fracture group. Moreover, the post-registration test and treatment rates in the hip fracture group tended to increase over the years. Both fracture groups showed a tendency for decreased post-registration test and treatment rates as age increased, with lower rates observed among men.

CONCLUSIONS

Test and treatment rates after hip fracture registration remain lower compared with those after vertebral fracture registration. To bridge the care gap following fractures, medical professionals need better awareness regarding osteoporosis treatment for hip fractures among elderly individuals and males.

Low acceptance of osteoanabolic therapy with parathyroid hormone in patients with fragility fracture of the pelvis in routine clinical practice: a retrospective observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

A recent randomized controlled trial has reported full patient compliance and no adverse events from therapy with parathyroid hormone (PTH) for osteoporosis and accelerated healing of fragility fractures of the pelvis. The purpose of the presented study was to evaluate if similar results can be achieved with comprehensive PTH therapy in routine clinical practice. We hypothesised that patients' burden of PTH therapy is underestimated in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Osteoanabolic PTH therapy was recommended to 79 patients suffering from an acute fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP). Case finding, initiation of therapy and follow-up were performed by a fracture liaison service team. Primary outcome was PTH initiation rate. Secondary outcomes were implementation rate of alternative antiresorptive pharmaceutical therapy for osteoporosis and participation rate in a bone metabolic workup. Adverse events and effects potentially related to the therapy with bone-active drugs were documented as exploratory outcomes.

RESULTS

Osteoanabolic PTH therapy as suggested was accepted by 32%, whereas antiresorptive therapy was implemented in another 14% of the patients. DEXA scans were available in 38% of the patients (+ 27% when compared to baseline). A bone-specific laboratory analysis was done in 18 patients, uncovering 7 pathological findings. Two patients terminated PTH therapy early because of side effects.

CONCLUSION

The experiences with PTH therapy in FFP patients with respect to, implementation rate, frequency of side effects and of pathological findings in laboratory controls as reported from a previous RCT could not be reproduced in routine clinical practice.

Evidence of patient beliefs, values, and preferences is not provided in osteoporosis clinical practice guidelines

We examined how patient beliefs, values, and preferences (BVPs) were included and conceptualized in international osteoporosis guidelines. The majority of guidelines did not mention BVPs. When mentioned, BVPs were conceptualized as preference for one medication over another. A broader conceptualization and inclusion of BVPs should be incorporated in osteoporosis guidelines.

INTRODUCTION

Our objectives were to determine (1) the extent to which osteoporosis guidelines reflected patients' beliefs, values, and preferences (BVPs); (2) how BVPs were conceptualized; and (3) the methods used to elicit BVPs in the references cited by the guidelines.

METHODS

We conducted a document analysis of English-language international osteoporosis guidelines based on the International Osteoporosis Foundation website. We examined each guideline and extracted all instances of statements pertaining to BVPs. The statements were reviewed by two independent researchers. Discrepancies in data extraction were resolved by the first author. We developed categories based on five common elements that represented the BVP statements.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of 70 (39%) guidelines included 95 statements about patient BVPs. Of the 95 statements, 32 statements (14 guidelines) were classified under BVP related to the choice of pharmacotherapy or general treatment, 10 (7 guidelines) under BVP related to adherence to pharmacotherapy or treatment in general, 5 (5 guidelines) under BVP related to financial costs and benefits, 43 (19 guidelines) under other BVP mentioned but not supported by a reference to a primary study or systematic review, and 5 (3 guidelines) under other BVP mentioned and supported by at least one reference to a primary study or systematic review. Twenty-nine references were cited to reflect the BVPs mentioned, including an editorial and quantitative studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-seven (39%) of the guidelines included mention of patients' BVPs. In 19 guidelines, the importance of BVPs was mentioned but these statements were not supported by references to a primary study or systematic review. BVPs were most often (14 guidelines) conceptualized as preference for one medication over another. We suggest that qualitative data be included as evidence of BVPs in guidelines.

Primary care physicians' views on osteoporosis management: a qualitative study

Osteoporosis is an under-diagnosed condition; only around 14% of patients in Sweden receive bone-specific treatment after a fragility fracture. This qualitative interview study found that primary care physicians perceive osteoporosis as a silent disease that is overshadowed by other conditions and is complicated to manage.

PURPOSE

To explore primary care physicians' views on managing osteoporosis.

METHODS

A total of 17 primary care physicians in Stockholm participated in four focus group interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed with thematic analysis.

RESULTS

One main theme was found: Osteoporosis-a silent disease overshadowed by other conditions. The main theme contained five sub-themes. Physicians perceived osteoporosis as a low-priority issue. They described uncertainty about managing it and insufficient awareness of the condition in primary healthcare (PHC). Physicians had differing opinions about who is responsible for managing osteoporosis. They reported that the health care system regulated their work such that they gave low priority to the condition. They were uncertain about the value of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). The physicians thought that financial incentives, education, and increased collaboration with other relevant health care professionals and with patients were needed to increase the priority of osteoporosis in PHC.

CONCLUSION

Physicians perceived osteoporosis as a silent disease that is complicated to manage. They gave low priority to osteoporosis and thought their patients shared this view. The physicians saw other issues and medical conditions as more important than osteoporosis. They wanted better collaboration at their PHC centres and with hospitals. They also wanted district nurses to be more involved in managing osteoporosis and especially in assessing fracture risk.

Metasynthesis of Patient Attitudes Toward Bone Densitometry

BACKGROUND

Bone densitometry (e.g., dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or "DXA") is strongly associated with osteoporosis treatment; however, rates of DXA are low. While studies have demonstrated a continued need for primary care provider education on the role of DXA in preventive care, little is known about the role of patient attitudes toward DXA. This review's purpose is to synthesize the evidence about the effects of patient perceptions and experiences of DXA on osteoporosis prevention.

METHODS

A metasynthesis was conducted of English language, peer-reviewed publications, searching relevant databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science Social Science Citation Index, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts. Identified articles' quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist, and an iterative process of data evaluation, integration, and synthesis was used to develop the findings.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles from ten studies were identified, composing an aggregated sample of 265 people (231 women). Participant attitudes toward screening ranged from receptive to ambivalent to concerned about results. Participants' understandings of DXA and its role in clinical care were limited. Knowledge of osteoporosis was also partial and influenced by lay sources, the media, and health care providers. Primary care providers strongly influenced participant behavior, especially if participants had a more passive approach to health care. Participants reported less concern about expected barriers of health care access and cost.

CONCLUSION

Minimal knowledge exists of patient perceptions and experiences of DXA among those who are fracture naïve: Prior research has focused primarily on secondary fracture prevention contexts. Our metasynthesis reveals patients' significant reliance, given their limited risk appraisal and knowledge, upon primary care providers in decision-making. We urge colleagues to conduct qualitative research on DXA barriers among general primary care population in order to facilitate health care delivery systems better equipped to diagnose and treat patients before their first fracture.

Low rates of osteoporosis treatment after hospitalization for hip fracture in Hawaii

We evaluated osteoporosis treatment and DEXA utilization rates of patients who were admitted for hip fracture in a single healthcare system in Hawaii from 2015 to 2016. We found that osteoporosis treatment and DEXA utilization rates were low, highlighting a critical gap in osteoporosis care after admission for hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to evaluate osteoporosis care after an admission for hip fracture at three community hospitals within a single healthcare system in Hawaii.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted (n = 428) of patients ≥ 50 years and hospitalized for hip fractures between January 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016, at three major hospitals within Hawaii Pacific Health, a large healthcare system in Hawaii. Basic demographics were collected, and medications prescribed were quantified and described within 1 year of hip fracture. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between collected variables and the odds of osteoporosis treatment.

RESULTS

Only 115 (26.9%) patients were prescribed a medication for osteoporosis as a secondary prevention within a year of hospitalization for hip fracture. DEXA scans were performed in 137 (32.0%) patients. Most of the treated patients were prescribed oral bisphosphonates. Treatment facility, female gender, and higher BMI were found to be predictive factors for osteoporosis treatment.

CONCLUSION

The use of osteoporosis medication for secondary prevention after admission for hip fracture in Hawaii is low. Efforts need to be made to improve treatment rates, especially among males.

[Patient- vs Physician-Reported Implementation of and Compliance to Anti-Osteoporotic Medication One Year after Sustained Fragility Fracture]

Patient- vs Physician-Reported Implementation of and Compliance to Anti-Osteoporotic Medication One Year after Sustained Fragility Fracture Abstract. We were interested why therapy recommendations made by specialists are often not followed by general practitioners (GPs) and patients. We evaluated systematic questionnaires comparing both, patient and GP statements (n = 151 each) with regard to the implementation of and compliance to specific therapy recommended by an osteologic specialist one year after an osteoporotic fracture. In 53 % GPs prescribed antiosteoporotic drugs, more often if the indication for treatment was less aggressive (p <0.001). Once prescribed, in 94 % of cases the GPs' medication followed the specialists' recommendations. 74 % of patients followed their GP's prescription. Patients most often stated a missing prescription as the reason for not taking drugs (39 %), whereas GPs cited a missing interest of their patients (44 %). The observed discrepancies call for a melioration in the communication between all parties involved.

Systematic scoping review of patients' perceived needs of health services for osteoporosis

Health service planners, administrators and providers need to understand the patients' perspective of health services related to osteoporosis to optimise health outcomes. The aims of this study were to systematically identify and review the literature regarding patients' perceived health service needs relating to osteoporosis and osteopenia. A systematic scoping review was performed of publications in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO (1990-2016). Descriptive data regarding study design and methodology were extracted and risk of bias assessed. Aggregates of patients' perceived needs of osteoporosis health services were categorised. Thirty-three studies (19 quantitative and 14 qualitative) from 1027 were relevant. The following areas of perceived need emerged: (1) patients sought healthcare from doctors to obtain information and initiate management. They were dissatisfied with poor communication, lack of time and poor continuity of care. (2) Patients perceived a role for osteoporosis pharmacotherapy but were concerned about medication administration and adverse effects. (3) Patients believed that exercise and vitamin supplementation were important, but there is a lack of data examining the needs for other non-pharmacological measures such as smoking cessation and alcohol. (4) Patients wanted diagnostic evaluation and ongoing surveillance of their bone health. This review identified patients' needs for better communication with their healthcare providers. It also showed that a number of important cornerstones of therapy for osteoporosis, such as pharmacotherapy and exercise, are identified as important by patients, as well as ongoing surveillance of bone health. Understanding patients' perceived needs and aligning them with responsive and evidence-informed service models are likely to optimise patient outcomes.

The effects of person-centered or other supportive interventions in older women with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures-a systematic review of the literature

Vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a common fragility fracture and the starting point of a lasting, painful, disabling condition. The aim was to summarize evidence of person-centered/non-medical interventions supporting women with VCF. Results show small numbers of studies with only probable effect on function, pain, QoL, fear of falling, and psychological symptoms. The vertebral compression fracture (VCF) caused by osteoporosis is the third most common fragility fracture worldwide. Previously, it was believed that the pain caused by VCF was self-subsiding within weeks or a few months post-fracture. However, this positive prognosis has been refuted by studies showing that, for the great majority of patients, the VCF was the starting point of a long-lasting, severely painful, and disabling condition. The low number of studies focusing on the experience of the natural course of VCF, and what support is available and how it is perceived by those affected, calls for further investigation. Strengthening older patients' sense of security and increasing confidence in their own abilities are of great importance for successful rehabilitation following VCF. More research is needed to identify resources, possibilities, and strategies that can assist older patients to reach their goals to improve well-being. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and summarize the current evidence of person-centered or other structured non-medical/non-surgical interventions supporting older women after experiencing an osteoporotic VCF. A systematic literature search was conducted on the MeSH terms encompassing osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures in the PubMed-MEDLINE and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases during March through June 2015. The initial search identified 8789 articles, but only seven articles (six randomized controlled trials and one observational study with a control group) met the inclusion criteria. It became evident from the current study that the availability of evidence on the effects of non-medical interventions aiming to support older women with VCF is limited, to say the least. The trials included in this review have few limitations and were mainly considered to be of moderate quality. This systematic literature review suggests that non-medical interventions aiming to support older women with VCF might decrease levels of pain and use of analgesic as well as promote improved physical mobility and function. These interventions would probably result in an improved difference in experiences of fear of falling and perceived psychological symptoms, but would only slightly improve quality of life. However, given the nature of the seven studies, potential biases in patient selection, issues around precision with small cohorts, and failure to control for confounders, makes it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion about the significant effects of non-medical interventions. Incurring a VCF is a complex and diverse event, necessitating equally complex interventions to identify new ways forward. However, to date, interventions struggle with a risk of selection bias in that only the needs of the healthiest of the population are addressed and the voices of the remaining majority of the people affected by VCF are unheard.

Secondary fracture prevention in hip fracture patients requires cooperation from general practitioners

Despite individual recommendations on osteoporosis management in patients after hip fracture surgery, addressed by orthopedic surgeons to Czech general practitioners, the patients remained undiagnosed and untreated because of provider-level barriers to post-fracture secondary prevention.

PURPOSE

The goal of the study was to assess whether an individual recommendation on osteoporosis treatment addressed to a hip fracture patient's GP would lead to better osteoporosis management.

METHODS

Two groups of patients who suffered hip fractures and were treated at the Orthopedic Department were evaluated. In 111 patients, general recommendations on osteoporosis treatment and fracture prevention were provided in a discharge report addressed to the GP. In the second group, 96 patients were provided individually with a detailed written set of recommendations on osteoporosis examination, treatment, and fracture prevention, which was also provided in the discharge report. A questionnaire to assess the provided care was mailed to the patients 5.3 ± 1.2 months of discharge. Those patients who did not return the questionnaires were contacted by phone.

RESULTS

The questionnaires were received from 44% and 49% of patients from the general and detailed recommendation groups, respectively. Along with the phone call, we were able to contact 78 (70.3%) and 68 (70.8%) patients from the general and detailed recommendation groups, respectively. GPs secured osteoporosis evaluation in 14.6% of the patients. Calcium supplementation and vitamin D supplementation were newly provided in 42.7 and 36.4% of the patients, respectively. Anti-resorptive therapy was newly provided in 8.3% of the patients. No significant differences between the groups were observed in osteoporosis evaluation, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and anti-osteoporosis treatments. Out of 207 patients, further examination or treatment was requested by 45 patients (21.7%); 75 patients (36.2%) declared no interest in further care.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations on osteoporosis management addressed to Czech GPs after surgical fracture management had little effect on treatment. As the anti-osteoporotic preparations can only be prescribed by specialists, the availability of necessary examinations and treatment is limited by the motivation of GPs. Consequently, the implementation of Fracture Liaison Services to help close the care gap may be limited in the absence of participation by Czech GPs.

Fracture Prevention in the Orthopaedic Environment: Outcomes of a Coordinator-Based Fracture Liaison Service

BACKGROUND

Fracture liaison services focus on secondary fracture prevention by identifying patients at risk for future fracture and initiating appropriate evaluation, risk assessment, education, and therapeutic intervention. This study describes key clinical outcomes including bone mineral densitometry, physician assessment, and pharmacotherapy initiation in pharmacotherapy-naïve patients undergoing treatment for fragility fracture in a Canadian fracture liaison service.

METHODS

We determined rates of post-fracture investigation and treatment for inpatients and outpatients with a fragility fracture seen in a coordinator-based fracture liaison service at an urban university trauma hospital. The program identified distal radial, proximal femoral, proximal humeral, and vertebral fragility fractures in female patients ≥40 years of age and male patients ≥50 years of age and provided education, bone mineral densitometry, inpatient consultation or outpatient specialist or primary care physician referral for bone health management, and documented patient follow-up.

RESULTS

The 2,191 patients with a fragility fracture were not taking anti-osteoporosis pharmacotherapy at the time of identification (862 inpatients and 1,329 outpatients). Eighty-four percent of inpatients and 85% of outpatients completed a bone mineral densitometry as recommended. Fifty-two percent of patients with proximal femoral fracture, 29% of patients with vertebral fracture, 26% of patients with proximal humeral fracture, and 20% of patients with distal radial fracture had osteoporosis confirmed on the basis of a bone mineral densitometry T-score of ≤-2.5 at the femoral neck or L1 to L4. Eighty-five percent of inpatients and 79% of outpatients referred for bone health management were assessed by a specialist or primary care physician. Of the patients who attended their appointments, 73% of inpatients and 52% of outpatients received a prescription for anti-osteoporosis medication.

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of education, evaluation, and pharmacological treatment, if indicated, can be achieved through a coordinator-facilitated fracture liaison service program.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Fracture prevention programs are currently engaged in establishing and modifying fracture liaison services in a quest for practical and effective models. The program described in this article exemplifies a coordinator-based model that produced good outcomes.

The theory of planned behaviour explains intentions to use antiresorptive medication after a fragility fracture

Our objective was to ascertain whether the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) explains patient intentions to use antiresorptive medication after a fracture. A qualitative study was conducted with English-speaking members of the Canadian Osteoporosis Patient Network (COPN) who had sustained a fragility fracture at 50+ years of age and were not taking antiresorptive medication at the time of that fracture. Questions during a 1-h telephone interview were guided by the domains of the TPB: they addressed the antecedent constructs regarding antiresorptive medication (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control) as well as intentions regarding antiresorptive medication use. We created a coding template a priori based on the TPB domains and applied this template to the interview data. Twenty-six eligible participants (24 females, 2 males) aged 51-89 completed an interview. The TPB appeared to be predictive of intentions in 19 (73%) participants. In the majority of participants where the TPB did not appear to be predictive (57%), a positive attitude toward antiresorptive medication was the most important antecedent variable in determining intentions. The TPB appeared to be predictive of intentions to use antiresorptive medication among individuals who had experienced a fragility fracture. Attitudes towards medication were especially important.

Men's health-seeking behaviours regarding bone health after a fragility fracture: a secondary analysis of qualitative data

In our qualitative study, men with fragility fractures described their spouses as playing an integral role in their health behaviours. Men also described taking risks, preferring not to dwell on the meaning of the fracture and/or their bone health. Communication strategies specific to men about bone health should be developed.

INTRODUCTION

We examined men's experiences and behaviours regarding bone health after a fragility fracture.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of five qualitative studies. In each primary study, male and female participants were interviewed for 1-2 h and asked to describe recommendations they had received for bone health and what they were doing about those recommendations. Maintaining the phenomenological approach of the primary studies, the transcripts of all male participants were re-analyzed to highlight experiences and behaviours particular to men.

RESULTS

Twenty-two men (50-88 years old) were identified. Sixteen lived with a wife, male partner, or family member and the remaining participants lived alone. Participants had sustained hip fractures (n = 7), wrist fractures (n = 5), vertebral fractures (n = 2) and fractures at other locations (n = 8). Fourteen were taking antiresorptive medication at the time of the interview. In general, men with a wife/female partner described these women as playing an integral role in their health behaviours, such as removing tripping hazards and organizing their medication regimen. While participants described giving up activities due to their bone health, they also described taking risks such as drinking too much alcohol and climbing ladders or deliberately refusing to adhere to bone health recommendations. Finally, men did not dwell on the meaning of the fracture and/or their bone health.

CONCLUSIONS

Behaviours consistent with those shown in other studies on men were described by our sample. We recommend that future research address these findings in more detail so that communication strategies specific to men about bone health be developed.

Barriers to Effective Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Treatment: A Qualitative Study of Patients' and Practitioners' Views

BACKGROUND

Only a minority of patients at high risk for osteoporotic fracture receive treatment.

OBJECTIVE

Study patients' and physicians' views regarding postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) to identify impediments to good care.

METHODS

A qualitative study involving 18 physicians and 37 women (age 57-87) with PMO.

RESULTS

All women interviewed considered PMO to be somewhat normal wear-and-tear associated with old age. The women identified a large number of "causes" for osteoporosis but finally viewed it as chance. They all described its progression as slow. Three representations of PMO severity were identified: some women tended to interpreted it as benign (21), others tended to dramatize it (11), and the rest were uncertain (5). These representations did not appear linked to age or fracture. Even the women who associated fracture and PMO were uncertain of the link between them. Fractures were considered to be random events, independent of osteoporosis. Women received general life-style recommendations from their physicians positively, but did not connect them specifically to osteoporosis. Indeed, these recommendations, along with the fear of side effects, the absence of tangible results of treatments, the view of PMO as a natural process, and the representations of PMO severity are factors that may deter treatments and impact compliance. As for the physicians, they identified eight risk factors, recognizing menopause as central to PMO and recognized the link between risk of fracture and PMO. However, some considered the impact of fractures to be limited in time, and viewed PMO as a "benign" disease. Seeing the progression of PMO as slow and inevitable reduced their urgency to diagnose and treat it as compared to other diseases. Some physicians acknowledged limited mastery of the existing therapeutic arsenal and unsuccessful handling of patient compliance.

CONCLUSION

Women's and physicians' perspectives on PMO converged to trivialize postmenopausal osteoporosis and thus disqualify it as a legitimate disease. A better understanding of women's and physicians' views, practices, and concerns related to PMO can improve osteoporosis management.

Staff perceptions on patient motives for attending GP-led urgent care centres in London: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

General practitioner (GP)-led urgent care centres were established to meet the growing demand for urgent care. Staff members working in such centres are central in influencing patients' choices about which services they use, but little is known about staff perceptions of patients' motives for attending urgent care. We hence aimed to explore their perceptions of patients' motives for attending such centres.

DESIGN

A phenomenological, qualitative study, including semistructured interviews. The interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis.

SETTING

2 GP-led urgent care centres in 2 academic hospitals in London.

PARTICIPANTS

15 staff members working at the centres including 8 GPs, 5 emergency nurse practitioners and 2 receptionists.

RESULTS

We identified 4 main themes: 'Confusion about choices', 'As if increase of appetite had grown; By what it fed on', 'Overt reasons, covert motives' and 'A question of legitimacy'. The participants thought that the centres introduce convenient and fast access for patients. So convenient, that an increasing number of patients use them as a regular alternative to their community GP. The participants perceived that patients attend the centres because they are anxious about their symptoms and view them as serious, cannot get an appointment with their GP quickly and conveniently, are dissatisfied with the GP, or lack self-care skills. Staff members perceived some motives as legitimate (an acute health need and difficulties in getting an appointment), and others as less legitimate (convenience, minor illness, and seeking quicker access to hospital facilities).

CONCLUSIONS

The participants perceived that patients attend urgent care centres because of the convenience of access relative to primary care, as well as sense of acuity and anxiety, lack self-care skills and other reasons. They perceived some motives as more legitimate than others. Attention to unmet needs in primary care can help in promoting balanced access to urgent care.

A qualitative systematic review of patients' experience of osteoporosis using meta-ethnography

We aimed to systematically review qualitative studies exploring the experience of living with osteoporosis to develop new conceptual understanding. We identified themes about the invisibility/visibility of osteoporosis, the experience of uncertainty of living with osteoporosis (OP) and living with an ageing body and the place of gender.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review was to systematically review the body of qualitative studies exploring the experience of living with either osteoporosis or osteopenia and to use meta-ethnography to develop new conceptual understanding.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed and integrated the findings of qualitative research from four bibliographic databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Psychinfo) to September 2015 in order to increase our conceptual understanding of the lived experience of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Articles were appraised for quality; each was independently read by two researchers to identify concepts which were compared and developed into a conceptual model.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrate that coming to terms with a diagnosis of osteoporosis is linked to its relative visibility or invisibility. For some, OP has not become manifest and self-identity is intact (biographical integrity). For others, OP is profoundly manifest and self-identity is no long intact (biographical fracture). We also demonstrate that overwhelming uncertainty pervades the experience of OP. Our final theme demonstrates how the experience of OP is set within a cultural context with certain views about ageing and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Our synthesis has highlighted the wealth of qualitative data about osteoporosis and osteopenia. Despite the increasing body of literature on the subject, there remains a need to adjust our interactions with patients. This will allow clinicians to understand how patients can be helped to receive and understand their diagnosis and move forward in partnership with healthcare providers to promote optimal management of the disease.

Bone Mineral Density Reporting Underestimates Fracture Risk in Ontario

Objective

Analysis of clinical documents such as bone mineral density (BMD) reports is an important component of program evaluation because it can provide insights into the accuracy of assessment of fracture risk communicated to patients and practitioners. Our objective was to compare fracture risk calculations from BMD test reports to those based on the 2010 Canadian guidelines.

Methods

We retrieved BMD reports from fragility fracture patients screened through a community hospital fracture clinic participating in Ontario’s Fracture Clinic Screening Program. Fracture risk was determined according to the 2010 Canadian guidelines using age, sex, and T-score at the femoral neck, in addition to three clinical factors. Three researchers classified patients’ fracture risk until consensus was achieved.

Results

We retrieved reports for 17 patients from nine different BMD clinics in the Greater Toronto Area. Each patient had a different primary care physician and all BMD tests were conducted after the 2010 Canadian guidelines were published. The fracture risk of 10 patients was misclassified with 9 of the 10 reports underestimating fracture risk. Nine reports acknowledged that the prevalence of a fragility fracture raised the risk category by one level but only four of these reports acknowledged that the patient had, or may have sustained, a fragility fracture. When we raised fracture risk by one level according to these reports, eight patients were still misclassified. Fracture risk in the majority of these patients remained underestimated. Inconsistent classification was found in the majority of cases where reports came from the same clinic. Four reports described risk levels for two different types of risk.

Conclusions

More than half of patients received BMD reports which underestimated fracture risk. Bone health management recommendations based on falsely low fracture risk are likely to be sub-optimal.