title: Effectiveness and characteristics of multifaceted osteoporosis group education--a systematic review.
abstract: The characteristics and effectiveness of osteoporosis multifaceted group education were determined from a systematic review of international literature. Findings showed that these educational programmes may be beneficial in a variety of important factors for the prevention, treatment and management of osteoporosis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This systematic review investigated quantitative studies on osteoporosis multifaceted group education. The purpose was to investigate the characteristics as well as the effectiveness of this form of osteoporosis patient education.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guided this systematic review. Relevant databases were searched until January 2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven studies published between 1993 and 2011 including osteoporosis patients with or without fractures were found. The multifaceted educational programmes all consisted of three overall themes: (1) Knowledge of osteoporosis, (2) Medication and diet and (3) Exercise, but with different foci across the studies. Overall, 24 outcome measures representing six topics were applied: (1) Health-related quality of life, (2) Psychosocial function, (3) Pain, (4) Physical activity, (5) Knowledge and (6) Medication and diet. The review showed that multifaceted osteoporosis group education can increase the patients' knowledge of osteoporosis as well as their health-related quality of life, physical activity and psychosocial functioning. It has the potential to increase adherence to both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multifaceted group education may have a positive impact on the patients' ability to engage in preventing and managing osteoporosis. Further research directed towards the complexity of multifaceted group education is needed. In addition, research investigating the educational needs of specific groups of osteoporotic patients is required.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Section of Nursing, Aarhus University, Hoegh-Guldbergs Gade 6A, Building 1633, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark, alj@sygeplejevid.au.dk.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lomborg
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wind
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Langdahl
mesh_terms: D006126:Group Processes; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011788:Quality of Life