Osteoporosis screening in Australian community pharmacies: A mixed methods study
Jonathan Phuong1,2, Rebekah Moles1, Deborah Mason2
1Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
Community pharmacies can effectively screen for osteoporosis using the Know Your Bones survey. This accessible health promotion increases national screening rates, addressing underdiagnosis and undertreatment in Australia.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Promotion
- Implementation Science
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue in Australia, characterized by underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
- Community pharmacies offer a strategic, accessible venue for health screening services due to customer demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop, implement, and evaluate a community pharmacy-based health promotion service for osteoporosis screening.
- To encourage consumer participation in the anonymous 'Know Your Bones' screening survey.
Main Methods:
- The REAIM framework documented the implementation process.
- Website traffic monitored anonymous uptake of the screening tool.
- Stakeholder interviews explored barriers and facilitators to service implementation.
Main Results:
- The service was implemented across 27 community pharmacies, with 448 website visits.
- Key implementation factors included staff training, pharmacist altruism, and remuneration.
- Staff leveraged existing consumer relationships, and no consumers completed post-screening surveys or interviews.
Conclusions:
- A community pharmacy osteoporosis screening service was successfully designed and implemented in Australia.
- The service was acceptable to pharmacy staff and effective in reaching the target population.
- This low-cost, non-invasive promotion has potential to increase national osteoporosis screening rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
3.5K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
3.5K
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
3.9K
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
3.9K
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
2.9K
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during...
2.9K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
3.3K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
3.3K
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
1.0K
Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
1.0K
01:02Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
721
Prescription drugs require a prescription from a medical practitioner and can only be obtained from a pharmacy. They have many applications, including treating pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
721