Population and Sample: WHO declared 2000-2010 the Bone and Joint Decade with goals to improve quality of life in persons with musculoskeletal conditions. There are few reliable estimates of prevalence of osteoporosis in hospitalized seniors sustaining a fracture. Small reductions in secondary fractures due to osteoporosis could result in significant savings. The extent to which secondary prevention for osteoporosis is carried out in hospital is unknown and it would appear that the opportunity to treat osteoporosis is being missed. The study population comprised individuals 65 and over with a fracture who were hospitalized in 2000. A random sample (n = 300) was drawn from the population.

Method: A health record audit of patients was conducted in a major Health Region in Canada. Variables Studied: 1. Prevalence of documented osteoporosis. 2. Treatment offered for osteoporosis in hospital. 3. Treatment recommended on discharge from hospital.

Findings: 1. The prevalence of documented osteoporosis in hospitalized seniors is very low. 2. There are clinically and statistically significant differences between the prevalence of osteoporosis in hospitalized elderly and those in the general population. 3. There are missed opportunities to initiate secondary prevention for osteoporosis while in hospital and on discharge from hospital

Conclusions: There is a gross under-estimation of prevalence of osteoporosis in hospitalized seniors who sustain a fracture. Opportunities to provide appropriate and timely secondary prevention for osteoporosis are being missed.

Implications: The investigators will discuss the concept of Musculoskeletal Health Recognition and Promotion in the acute care setting. Strategies to implement health promotion and secondary prevention in clinical practice will be presented.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004