title: Exploring New Zealand orthopaedic nurses' knowledge of osteoporosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent yet preventable disease. Nurses can play a major role in the prevention of osteoporosis and preventive treatment of patients who have had an osteoporotic fracture.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study explored whether New Zealand orthopaedic nurses have the knowledge to provide osteoporosis prevention education, and also examined these nurses' perceptions of their role in the diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire assessing osteoporosis knowledge was sent to a convenience sample of orthopaedic nurses. Data were analyzed quantitatively for the knowledge component, and qualitatively for the nurses' perception of their role, perceived barriers, and educational preferences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings reveal that New Zealand orthopaedic nurses have inadequate osteoporosis knowledge and this is a barrier to educating patients regarding osteoporosis. Adherence to published recommendations for the management of osteoporosis has been inconsistent. Confusion about who should lead osteoporosis prevention is evident and it seems that nurses play a passive role.
authors.affiliation: Hannelie Fourie, RN, MN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Gisborne Hospital, Gisborne, New Zealand. Sue Floyd, MN, Practicum Manager, School of Nursing, Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier, New Zealand. Bob Marshall, PhD, Professor, Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Hannelie
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fourie
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Floyd
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marshall
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D009740:Nursing Staff; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000451:nursing*; D012307:Risk Factors