Outcomes of a nurse-led osteoporosis and falls assessment.
Osteoporosis is a major public health concern. Recent evidence from clinical and epidemiological trials on osteoporosis has stressed the urgency for early and accurate diagnosis of vertebral fractures. Despite the fact that vertebral fractures are very common and associated with decreased quality of life, they are frequently missed in daily clinical practice. The authors developed a protocol to be applied through a specialized nurse-led osteoporosis vertebral fracture service that allows for accurate diagnosis, identifies patients at risk and shortens the time of assessment and management. A total of 114 patients have been reviewed over 12 months. Completing the referral form and the clinic proforma helped the nurse cover all causes of vertebral fractures and shortened the lag time for assessment and management. Osteoporosis therapy was commenced once diagnosis was confirmed.
El Miedany
Yasser
Y
Metabolic Bone Disease, Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, Kent.
Gardiner
Annie
A
El Gaafary
Maha
M
Toth
Mathias
M
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015984:Causality; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009737:Nursing Records; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*