Researchers have discovered that the proportion of patients with osteoporosis who receive information about their fracture risk from their health-care providers may be low, according to a recent study published by Beaudart et al in Osteoporosis International. In the RICO study, researchers conducted structured interviews with 332 female patients with osteoporosis in order to assess their preferences regarding fracture risk communication. They found that although the patients involved in the study preferred to receive information regarding their fracture risk—most commonly in a visual manner, such as a colored graph, rather than in a verbal or written manner—and discuss the consequences of fractures with their physicians, the physicians communicated this information to just 56% (n = 185) of the patients. The researchers hope their new findings can inspire improved fracture risk communication between patients with osteoporosis and their physicians.
January 10, 2024