Objective
Appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake for the prevention of osteoporosis represents an important component of osteoporosis prevention education (OPE). We sought to assess the presence and quality of OPE among osteoporotic and at-risk inpatients.
Design
Prospective chart review plus cross-sectional interview
Setting
Single academic tertiary referral medical center in Rochester, MN.
Participants
Adults admitted to an inpatient medicine service who were determined to be at risk for osteoporosis based on an investigator-developed screening tool or previously diagnosed with osteoporosis. Four-hundred sixty-four patients were screened, 192 patients were approached for participation, and 150 patients consented to be interviewed for the study.
Main Outcome Measures
Source of OPE, rates of appropriate calcium intake and supplementation.
Results
OPE from a healthcare provider was reported by 31.3% of patients, with only one patient reporting education from a pharmacist. Self OPE and no OPE were received by 29.3% and 39.3% of patients, respectively. Appropriate overall calcium intake was found in 30.7% of patients, and only 21.3% of patients were taking an appropriate calcium salt.
Conclusion
Patients with osteoporosis and risk factors for osteoporosis lack adequate education from healthcare providers regarding appropriate intake of dietary and supplemental calcium and vitamin D. A particular deficit was noted in pharmacist-provided education. Specific education targeting elemental calcium amounts, salt selection, and vitamin D intake should be provided to increase the presence of appropriate overall calcium consumption.