Osteoporosis Clinical Medication Review
We're back with the second in our new weekly series of training programmes, designed to provide you with the knowledge to conduct effective clinical medication reviews for a range of common chronic conditions. Week 2: Osteoporosis.
OSTEOPOROSIS - BASIC NEED TO KNOWS
What is it? Osteoporosis is a slowly developing condition in which bones become so weak or brittle over time, that even mild movements or stresses can cause the bone to fracture. The most common injuries in people with Osteoporosis are broken wrists, hips and spinal bones. Who does it affect? Osteoporosis is a common condition and affects over 3 million people in the UK,
but the risk of developing it increases in later life. It is 4 times more likely to affect women than men, especially after menopause. What is the cause? Osteoporosis occurs when the production of new bone tissue (osteoblast) is not working
fast enough to keep up with the depletion of old bone (osteoclast). This can be caused by a number of things, including but not limited to:
Use of steroids
Lack of oestrogen
Poor diet or eating disorder
Sedentary lifestyle
Excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco
Existing medical conditions (such as hormone-related, inflammatory, malabsorption conditions)
What are the symptoms? There are typically no symptoms of Osteoporosis in its early stages,
and the first sign that a patient may be suffering from it is a broken bone. In later stages of the condition, the following symptoms may be noted:
Gradual loss of height
Stooped posture
Spine curvature
Mid to lower back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
How is it diagnosed? Osteoporosis can be detected by conducting a bone density scan (DEXA),
a short, comfortable and painless procedure using low-dose X-rays. How can it be treated? If the patient is diagnosed with Osteoporosis following a bone fracture, that will need to be treated first. Following on from this, a range of medication is available, dependent on factors related to the patient.
The most commonly prescribed medications are:
Bisphosphonates
Parathyroid hormone
SERMs
Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
Hormone Replacement Therapy
What Red Flags should you look out for when conducting a clinical medication review
for a patient that is taking one of the above medications? And when is the right time to refer? Watch the video below to find out more
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME This is a comprehensive and practical programme that enables you to conduct Clinical Medication Reviews for Osteoporosis in General Practice. In this module you will learn:
How to structure your clinical medication review
The monitoring requirements for the condition
The monitoring requirements for the medicines used
How to identify Red Flags and know when to refer
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Instant Access Online on-demand learning Multiple Choice Quizzes throughout Certificate upon completion
The programme will take a deep dive into the condition and will cover anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, monitoring requirements, treatment, and ongoing management in primary care.
If you would like your employer to fund this training for you and need additional information please fill out our FUNDING REQUEST form.
 
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