Patient education--the forgotten link in managing osteoporosis.
BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis and bone fractures are common, yet osteoporosis is under diagnosed in Australian settings. Osteoporosis can now be reliably diagnosed, and safely and effectively treated, but patient education strategies are under utilised.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses the role of education in osteoporosis risk reduction and management.


CONCLUSIONS
Osteoporosis education initiatives such as the Osteoporosis Prevention and Self Management Course can increase knowledge, self efficacy and health related behaviours such as calcium intake and exercise over the short to medium term.
Laslett
Laura L
LL
University of Adelaide, Department of Medicine, Modbury Public Hospital, South Australia. laura.laslett@adelaide.edu.au
McNeil
Julian D
JD
Lynch
Joan
J
D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic