Patient counseling for osteoporosis prevention.
Counseling techniques and methods are more important parameters than message content for ensuring that a desired change in behavior occurs. Knowledge is necessary but not sufficient for behavior change, and teaching should not be confused with learning. The education of patients with osteoporosis poses two problems: patient involvement in deciding whether to initiate treatments such as estrogen replacement therapy, calcium supplements, and weight-bearing exercises, and assuring that the patient adheres to the prescribed regimen. The physician, while adequately outlining the risks of treatments, should also simplify the explanation to assist patients in making a decision about treatment. Guidelines are provided to aid the clinician in this task. Indicators of potential nonadherence should be evaluated, and obstacles to nonadherence removed by suggesting behavior modifications that will ensure the patient's continuation of the prescribed regimen.
Bartlett
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Department of Community and Family Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.
D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods