The Impact of Occupational Therapy Intervention on Adults with Osteoporosis: A Pilot Study

Randles, Niki; Randolph, Elisabeth; Schell, Barbara A. Boyt; Grant, Stephanie

doi:10.1080/j148v22n02_04

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…23 While falls and fracture services are well served by occupational therapy, there are very few reports on how occupational therapy, and specifically hand therapy can contribute to the care pathway for patients with osteoporosis. 24 Coordination between health professions, hospitals and post-discharge services is essential for improving patient outcomes and preventing subsequent fractures. 3,15,25 This can be referred to as 'integrated care' which aims to prevent problems arising from fragmented systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A call for a fragility fractures centralised care pathway in Australia: A qualitative study among healthcare professionals

Robinson

Brandis

2023

International Journal of Care Coordination

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Introduction Osteoporosis remains unrecognised and untreated in patients with fragility fractures, which leads to higher mortality rate, increasing social and economic burden related to subsequent fractures. However, the presence of a coordinated and centralised care pathway for fragility fractures is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of health professionals regarding the current management for distal radius fragility fractures, how the care pathway can be optimised for patients with distal radius fragility fractures, and where occupational therapists can contribute. Methods This paper uses a phenomenological qualitative methodology with selective and purposeful sampling, consisting of health professionals from an Australian Health Service ( N = 20). Online surveys ( N = 18) and semi-structured interviews ( N = 16) were conducted. Content analysis was applied, followed by thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Results Eighteen health professionals participated in the presurvey of which 16 were interviewed. The identified themes presented the gaps in the knowledge and awareness of fragility fractures and osteoporosis, as well as a lack of coordination in the system, especially the referral process. Discussion These findings are consistent with previous studies which also highlight the importance of communication, coordination, collaboration, cooperation, responsibility, and a population approach in achieving integrated care. This study contributes to the global call for a centralised and coordinated care pathway for fragility fractures. The study explores personal experiences of health professionals who expressed interest in fragility fractures management. Exploring patients’ perspectives on their journey of fragility fractures management provides opportunity for future research.

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