Factors Associated With Nonattendance for Osteoporosis Evaluation Following Fragility Fracture.

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed patient demographic factors associated with nonattendance for osteoporosis evaluation after being referred to our Bone Health Clinic (BHC), a hospital-based outpatient Fracture Liaison Service (FLS), for a fragility fracture. Methods: 507 patients sustaining a fragility fracture were referred to the BHC over a 39-month period. Retrospective chart review was conducted to capture osteoporosis evaluation attendance rates and demographic factors (age, gender, race, area deprivation index, insurance type, and fracture type). A post-fracture follow-up visit with either the BHC or another provider in which osteoporosis was noted in the assessment was considered attendance for osteoporosis evaluation. Nonattendance was determined at a cutoff of one year after the fracture date. Results: Of the 507 patients referred to the BHC following a fragility fracture, 177 patients attended osteoporosis evaluation with either the BHC or a primary care provider. Nonattendance was associated with older age (p=0.0075), having private health insurance (p=0.0434), and recent hip fracture (p < 0.0001). Attendance was associated with having government health insurance (p=0.0103). Conclusion: Inpatient evaluation and treatment for osteoporosis should be considered in patients who are older or have sustained a hip fracture as they may have more difficulty attending post-fracture appointments.