Perspectives of Healthcare Providers on Osteoporosis, Falls and Fracture Risk: a Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Overview

Journal Arch Osteoporos

Publisher Springer

Date 2024 Sep 23

PMID 39313605

Authors

Catherine Cho

Grace Bak

Daniel Sumpton

Bethan Richards

Catherine Sherrington

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: Osteoporosis and falls are major risk factors for osteoporotic fractures, with significant detriment to patients' quality of life. We aimed to describe healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives and experiences in the diagnosis, management and prevention of osteoporosis, falls and fractures obtained through primary qualitative research.

Methods: Thematic synthesis was performed on articles identified through a search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO and CINAHL), which were searched from inception to May 2023.

Results: Twenty-seven studies including 1662 HCPs, including general practitioners (GPs), physicians, surgeons, physiotherapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), pharmacists and nurses, were included, with identification of six themes: overshadowed as a disease entity, uncertainty in decision making, frustration with interdisciplinary and systemic tension, avoiding medical paternalism, desire for improved care and embracing the responsibility.

Conclusion: Osteoporotic fracture and fall prevention in routine clinical care is hampered by inadequate priority and lack of perceived connection with morbidity and mortality, deficits in interdisciplinary collaboration, lack of clinical confidence and health resourcing. However, HCPs acknowledge their role in promoting healthy ageing, thus providing support through appropriate continuing education, resourcing and public health campaigns that are significant future directions, which may improve osteoporotic fracture prevention.

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