The role of community multidisciplinary teams in osteoporosis treatment and prevention

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore community multidisciplinary teams’ activities and attitudes in relation to osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

Background

Osteoporosis is a progressive, potentially crippling disease, which is largely preventable. No longer confined to the older population, risk factors for the disease need to be identified by health care providers and followed up on. Despite a growing body of literature in this area, there is little exploration of the views of multidisciplinary teams (MDT). They constitute to a large group of health care workers and are uniquely placed to educate the public about osteoporosis.

Methods

A quantitative, descriptive survey elicited the views of members (n = 193) of community multidisciplinary teams (CMDT’s) in one region of the Republic of Ireland (ROI). The response rate was 48%.

Findings

This study found that members of MDTs were more likely to raise the issue of osteoporosis with patients if they believed them to be at risk. High levels of perceived competence in the field were reported by staff although pharmacological treatments and identification of secondary causes scored much lower. Those who were aware of osteoporosis tools, checklists and guidelines were significantly more likely to have raised the issue with patients. Those with post graduate education felt significantly more competent to discuss falls prevention.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that the MDT had positive attitudes towards their role in osteoporosis prevention. With knowledge and confidence health promotion was more likely to occur. MDT’s expressed interested in continuing education on and interprofessional learning on the topic. They also demonstrated high levels of interest in the developing health promotional roles. Thus education and continued professional development are key aspects of role development in this area.