Evaluating a nurse-led DXA scanning service.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the feasibility of using a peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning service in a nurse-led clinic and whether or not it would influence treatment and clinician satisfaction with the service.


METHODS
A nurse-led clinic, using peripheral DXA scans to identify patients at risk of osteoporosis, was established in the rheumatology department of the hospital. Patients were referred from several sources. A questionnaire was sent to referring health professionals with each scan result. Returned questionnaires were statistically analysed. Of the sample size of 2000, 1024 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 51 per cent.


RESULTS
The results confirmed the hypothesis that a nurse-led peripheral DXA scanning service is feasible and beneficial to referring clinicians. Eighty nine per cent (n=912) of respondents stated that the scan results influenced treatment of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Further investigation of the extent that the DXA scanning service may have reduced unnecessary treatment is required.
Adebajo
A
A
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Yorkshire.
Campbell
Linda
L
Hitchcock
Jonathan
J
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom