1BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10:73

What are the beliefs, attitudes and practices of front-line staff in long term care facilities related to osteoporosis awareness, management and fracture

prevention?

Arthur N. Lau

George Ioannidis

Yelena Potts

Lora M. Giangregorio

Mary-Lou Van der Horst

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Primary:• Determine awareness and education of front-line

staff to properly administer bisphosphonates.

Secondary:• Assess beliefs and attitudes of staff on the role and

benefits of vitamin D for long-term care (LTC) residents.

What were the objectives?

Lau AN et al: BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10:73

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What methods were used and what was the sample size?

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Methods• Survey completed by staff at 8 LTC facilities in Hamilton, Ontario• 21-item survey questionnaire was created to assess

attitudes towards link between osteoporosis and falls existing management practices specific osteoporosis knowledge areas

Sample• Nurses (n = 57) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs; n=124)• 100% response rate since administered onsite by project

coordinator• 48 RNs and 23 PSWs were responsible for medication administration Lau AN et al: BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10:73

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Results of Questionnaire Data:Administration of Bisphosphonates

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Table 1 shows the per centages of staff using proper administration procedures.

Lau AN et al: BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10:73

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Results of Questionnaire Data: Beliefs about Vitamin D’s Physiology and Benefits

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Four Knowledge Questions:• 7-point response scale of 1 = strongly disagree to 7 =

strongly agree• Percentage in Table 2 shows ‘agreement’ responses

of 6 or 7

Lau AN et al: BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10:73

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Osteoporosis Management with Bisphosphonates:

• Was shown to be less than optimal.

• Is quite effective in increasing bone mineral density of LTC patients but ONLY if properly administered.

• Requires further educational initiatives and follow-up to see if improvement in knowledge about fracture prevention and osteoporosis treatment has occurred.

What did we conclude?

Lau AN et al: BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10:736

AcknowledgmentsFunding from:

Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy for Long-Term Care

7Lau AN et al: BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10:73