Date of Award
5-2024
Degree Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing (ND)
Department
Nursing
Chair
Sandra Skory
Abstract
Background/Problem Statement: Osteoporosis, known as the “silent disease,” has been estimated to cause 9 million fragility fractures worldwide, resulting in an osteoporosis fracture every 3 seconds (Pennestrì et al., 2019). Fragility fractures are projected to exceed $25.3 billion US dollars by 2025 (Barton et al., 2021).
Aims/Methods: This paper describes the implementation of an evidence-based practice DNP project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Department. The aim of this project is to implement a fracture liaison service (FLS) to help close the post-fracture treatment gap.
Results/Interventions: This is accomplished by enhancing patient knowledge of disease, optimizing the use of bone density scans, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Dexa) scans; and ordering the following labs: complete metabolic panel (CMP), 25-hydroyvitamin D (25(OH)D), bone specific alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) intact with calcium for appropriate vitamin supplementation. Furthermore, patients at higher risk of refracturing are also properly referred to endocrinologists for chronic osteoporosis management.
Conclusion/Implications for practice: Through these efforts, positive patient outcomes/satisfaction is yielded, bone health knowledge improves, and a reduction in healthcare costs is achieved.
Recommended Citation
Hildenbrand, Gabriela A., "Looking Beyond the Fracture: Initiating an Osteoporotic Fracture Liaison Service" (2024). Cohort XII. 11.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/cohort_12/11
PowerPoint Presentation
Gaby_Poster_Presentation.pdf (1590 kB)
Poster Presentation