Interventions to improve OP management had a significant positive impact on prescription of BMD measurement but a more limited impact on treatment prescription
Osteoporosis ( OP ) is a major public health concern , but still OP care does not meet guidelines .
Interventions have been developed to improve appropriate OP management .
The objective of the present study was to systematic ally review the current literature to ascertain the efficacy of interventions to improve OP care and characterize interventions taking into account elements related to their potential cost and feasibility .
Improving Osteoporosis Screening: Results from a Randomized Cluster Trial
Background Despite recommendations , osteoporosis screening rates among women aged 65 years and older remain low . We present results from a clustered , r and omized trial evaluating patient mailed reminders , alone and in combination with physician prompts , to improve osteoporosis screening and treatment . Methods Primary care clinics ( n = 15 ) were r and omized to usual care , mailed reminders alone , or mailed reminders with physician prompts .  Study patients were females aged 65–89 years ( N = 10,354 ) . Using automated clinical and pharmacy data , information was collected on bone mineral density testing , pharmacy dispensings , and other patient characteristics . Unadjusted/adjusted differences in testing and treatment were assessed using generalized estimating equation approaches . Results Osteoporosis screening rates were 10.8 % in usual care , 24.1 % in mailed reminder , and 28.9 % in mailed reminder with physician prompt . Results adjusted for differences at baseline indicated that mailed reminders significantly improved testing rates compared to usual care , and that the addition of prompts further improved testing . This effect increased with patient age . Treatment rates were 5.2 % in usual care , 8.4 % in mailed reminders , and 9.1 % in mailed reminders with prompt . No significant differences were found in treatment rates between those receiving mailed reminders alone or in combination with physician prompts . However , women receiving usual care were significantly less likely to be treated . Conclusions The use of mailed reminders , either alone or with physician prompts , can significantly improve  osteoporosis  screening and treatment rates among insured primary care patients ( Clinical Trials.gov number NCT00139425 )
Interventions to improve OP management had a significant positive impact on prescription of BMD measurement but a more limited impact on treatment prescription
Osteoporosis ( OP ) is a major public health concern , but still OP care does not meet guidelines .
Interventions have been developed to improve appropriate OP management .
The objective of the present study was to systematic ally review the current literature to ascertain the efficacy of interventions to improve OP care and characterize interventions taking into account elements related to their potential cost and feasibility .