Qualitative Insights from the Osteoporosis Research: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Abstract

Purpose. Much of the research on osteoporosis has been generated quantitatively. However, the qualitative osteoporosis literature provides valuable information on patient and clinician experiences and perspectives, informing the design and implementation of health research and healthcare services. To identify knowledge gaps and inform the design of future qualitative research, a narrative review was conducted to consolidate and synthesize the existing insights available within the qualitative osteoporosis research. Methods. Search terms reflecting the domains of osteoporosis and qualitative research were entered into the Scopus database to generate a comprehensive survey of qualitative research in the area of osteoporosis. Articles were thematically analysed and the results are presented in the form of a narrative review. Results. Forty-four articles were included in the narrative review. Qualitative research in the field of osteoporosis research can be summarized by 3 thematic areas: the meaning of osteoporosis for patients and the public, the lived experience of an osteoporosis diagnosis, and the programmatic approach to osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Conclusions. Qualitative studies provide clinically valuable insights in how osteoporosis is conceptualized and managed and programmatic aspects of osteoporosis treatment. The findings of this narrative review suggest the need for balance between presenting osteoporosis as a serious health condition and producing unwarranted anxiety and inactivity so as to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals with osteoporosis.

Left in limbo – Experiences and needs among postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with osteoporosis without preceding osteoporotic fractures: A qualitative study

“…14 Bombak and Hanson emphasize the need for balance between presenting osteoporosis as a serious health condition and producing unwarranted anxiety and inactivity among patients when being diagnosed. 20 Similarly, Salter et al argue in their study of older women's experience of osteoporosis screening that screening for osteoporosis and assessment of fracture risk can be understood as a process of biomedicalisation of aging and bone health. They found that women being diagnosed with asymptomatic osteoporosis and thereby informed about the risk of fractures get an illness experience.…”

Screening to prevent fragility fractures among adults 40 years and older in primary care: protocol for a systematic review

“…Costs for the patient and healthcare system include the time, effort, and expense related to attending appointments and the resources used to screen in clinical settings, to organize and perform tests, and to interpret results [19]. Patients may not always fully understand the meaning of risk assessment results, nor the consequences of an asymptomatic finding that cannot easily be conceptualized [105, 106]. Individuals undergoing screening, and those who perceive their predicted risk for fragility fracture to be high, may experience anxiety and feelings of uncertainty [105, 107].…”

The Impact of Multifaceted Osteoporosis Group Education on Patients’ Decision-Making regarding Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

“…Research on patients with osteoporosis and decision support has focused on the development and effect of decision aids [ 14 , 15 ]. Studies have shown that decision aids increase patients' knowledge of options for managing osteoporosis and help them clarify their own preferences [ 16 , 17 ].…”