Closing the gap: bone health education in orthopaedic practice.
Bone health education in an orthopaedic office and hospital setting is uncommon, yet essential. Many benefits are possible for patients by preventing future fractures and improving quality of life in those afflicted with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Ninety percent of hip fractures are due to osteoporosis; only stroke occupies more hospital bed days than hip fracture each year. Clinical time constraints, physician unawareness, cost-effectiveness, and patient noncompliance include some of the obstacles to education. Orthopaedic nurses can be a vital part of the challenging solution to removing barriers and bridging the educational gap for physicians and patients.
Rouhe
Mellissa
M
Ahead of the Curve, and Bone Health Education Coordinator, Corona-Temecula Orthopaedic Associates, Corona, CA, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D055815:Young Adult
D002118:Calcium