Patient education--the forgotten link in managing osteoporosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and bone fractures are common, yet osteoporosis is under diagnosed in Australian settings. Osteoporosis can now be reliably diagnosed, and safely and effectively treated, but patient education strategies are under utilised. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the role of education in osteoporosis risk reduction and management. DISCUSSION: Osteoporosis education initiatives such as the Osteoporosis Prevention and Self Management Course can increase knowledge, self efficacy and health related behaviours such as calcium intake and exercise over the short to medium term.