RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Primary Care Management of Osteoporosis in Older Women

This research project wants to make a real difference to older women living with osteoporosis in the UK. Many women have felt their bone health concerns weren't fully understood or addressed. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more likely to break, which can cause significant pain and lead to serious health problems. Even though good advice exists for doctors, care for this condition in local GP practices could be better. Researchers are talking to older women and healthcare professionals to find out exactly what's needed. They'll look at current practices and work together to suggest ways to improve diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Ultimately, the study aims to create better recommendations and helpful materials for both patients and healthcare providers.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Bradford Institute for Health Research

Enrolment target

Start

16 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Osteoporosis

What is this study about?

This study is all about making things better for older women who have osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones fragile and more likely to break. We know that osteoporosis can cause a lot of pain and difficulties, and many women have told researchers they feel their bone health isn't always given the attention it needs.

The researchers want to understand why this is happening, especially since there are already good guidelines for how to treat osteoporosis. They believe that by carefully listening to both older women with osteoporosis and the healthcare professionals who care for them, they can find solutions.

They're going to hold in-depth conversations with these groups to learn about their experiences. What works well? What are the challenges? By combining all this important information, the study aims to create clear recommendations for improving how osteoporosis is looked after in your local doctor's surgery. They will also create helpful information for older women living with the condition.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve osteoporosis care for older women.
Focuses on understanding experiences of patients and healthcare providers.
No new medication or treatments involved.
Research will lead to better guidelines and patient information.
Participation involves sharing your views and experiences.
Your input could help many other women.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be an older woman who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, either by your doctor or as part of a medical study. You should also be 70 years old or older and living in your own home (not in a care home).

If you are a healthcare professional, you would need to be working within the NHS in England and have at least a year's experience.

People who are under 70, live in a care home, or can't give their consent to take part in research wouldn't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman?
Are you 70 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis?
Do you currently live in your own home (not a care home)?
Are you comfortable discussing your health experiences?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study primarily involves having conversations with researchers. You wouldn't be asked to take any new medication or have extra medical exams. If you're an older woman, you might be asked to take part in an in-depth interview to share your experiences with osteoporosis, including how it was diagnosed, treated, and how you manage it day-to-day. If you're a healthcare professional, your interview would focus on your experiences providing care for women with osteoporosis.

There might also be opportunities to join workshops where you'd discuss the findings from the interviews with other participants and researchers. These workshops help shape the study's direction. The total time commitment would depend on whether you participate in interviews, workshops, or both, but it's mainly about sharing your insights and experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits. You would have the chance to share your experiences and contribute to improving care for all women with osteoporosis. There are no known physical risks associated with this study, as it only involves talking about your experiences. There's a small chance you might feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive health topics, but researchers are trained to handle such conversations carefully and respectfully. Remember, you can choose to stop participating at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your current or future medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Bradford Institute for Health Research
Verified postcode
Bradford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes your bones weak and more likely to break, even from a minor fall or bump.

Who can join this study?

This study is looking for women aged 70 or older with an osteoporosis diagnosis who live at home, and healthcare professionals working in the NHS England.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications or treatments. It's about discussing your experiences and ideas for improving care.

What will happen with the study results?

The findings will be used to create better guidelines for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, and to produce helpful advice for older women with osteoporosis.

How long will I be involved?

Your involvement would typically be for a short period, potentially including an interview and possibly a workshop, depending on how much you wish to participate.

How to find out more

Anne Heaven, MPhil

anne.heaven@bthft.nhs.uk +44 1274382815 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.