Early Identification and Treatment of Osteoporosis in a Rural Internal Medicine Clinic: A Quasi-Experimental Approach
1J. J. Jones, DNP, ANP, ACNP-BC, Missouri State University, Springfield. Kristina Henry, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Assistant Professor, BSN Program Director, Missouri State University, Springfield.
Abstract:
Osteoporosis affects more than 44 million individuals in the United States annually while disease management continues to fall short of the recommended guidelines. This study institutes a practice change for osteoporosis/osteopenia screening and treatment founded on current evidence-based guidelines. A retrospective chart review was evaluated for current trends in the identification and treatment of osteoporosis/osteopenia in female patients older than 65 years. Data were then compared with identical data collected after implementing an evidence-based osteoporosis guideline tool. Quantitative analysis indicated poor adherence of established osteoporosis guidelines by providers. In comparison, after implementation of the osteoporosis treatment guideline tool, there was an improvement of more than 40% in the identification and treatment of osteoporosis/osteopenia. Utilization of the evidence-based osteoporosis guideline tool resulted in quality improvement in identifying and treating those with or at risk for osteoporosis/osteopenia.
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