Improved bone health behavior using community pharmacists as educators - The Geisinger Health System Community Pharmacist Osteoporosis Education Program
Ed. Newman et P. Hanus, Improved bone health behavior using community pharmacists as educators - The Geisinger Health System Community Pharmacist Osteoporosis Education Program, DIS MANAG H, 9(6), 2001, pp. 329-335
Background: Osteoporosis is an exceedingly common, morbid, and potentially
fatal disease. Efforts to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment o
f osteoporosis in people living in Central Pennsylvania were instituted in
1996 by the Geisinger Health System. With a catchment of over 2 million peo
ple, over 600 physicians and 50 primary care sites, this physician-led syst
em of healthcare is uniquely positioned to influence the delivery of health
care.
Objective: To determine whether the pilot Community Pharmacist Osteoporosis
Education Program, a specific project of the osteoporosis disease manageme
nt program by the Geisinger Health System, improved bone health behavior.
Methods: The Community Pharmacist Osteoporosis Education Program, focused o
n physician and allied healthcare provider guidelines, community interventi
on, bone density testing, and outcomes analysis, can improve bone health. A
group of highly motivated community-based pharmacists were educated about
menopause and osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They were
provided with a uniform educational program and held classes in the communi
ty. Baseline, satisfaction, and follow-up questionnaires were administered.
High risk participants received a follow-up telephone encounter. Primary c
are physicians were notified about the program and their patients' particip
ation.
Results: Approximately 350 women attended the classes. The mean age was 54
years, 99.4% were Caucasian, and 47% had some education beyond high school.
One-third had a family history of osteoporosis or fracture. Participants w
ere uniformly satisfied with the course content and class delivery: 74% rat
ed the class as excellent'. 26% as 'good'. Follow-up questionnaires at 4 to
6 months demonstrated that of those who were not previously doing so, 58%
began taking calcium supplements, 32% exercised more, 50% sought the counse
l of their primary care physician, 29% obtained a test of bone density, and
33% started a prescription medication for osteoporosis therapy as a result
of attending the class. High risk participants were more likely to obtain
a test of bone density after the program than were low risk participants.
Conclusion: This program demonstrates that community-based pharmacists can
serve as a valuable member of the healthcare provider team. An organized pr
ogram that provides a standard and consistent educational approach, physici
an communication, and a reminder system led to better bone health behavior
in women in the community.