Abstract
BackgroundOsteoporosis and fragility fractures are set to rise with the global ageing population. Prevalence will continue to significantly impact people’s quality of life and healthcare expenditure. Emergency nurses are ideally placed to highlight the importance of screening, and treatment, to the public. For emergency nurses to impart information to patients it is essential they have accurate, evidence-based knowledge. This study aims to determine if emergency nurses’ knowledge of osteoporosis is sufficient to educate the public. MethodA cross sectional descriptive design of 210 emergency nurses using the ‘Osteoporosis Knowledge Questionnaire’ (OKQ) was administered in four hospitals in the West of Ireland. Data was analysed using SPSS v28. ResultsA 66 % response rate was achieved. The mean score on the OKQ was 12.13 out of a possible 22. This suggests emergency nurses’ knowledge of osteoporosis is substandard. Level of education has the greatest impact on participants (p = 0.005). Results indicated that emergency nurses acknowledge their responsibility regarding health promotion but lack the knowledge to undertake the role. ConclusionEmergency nurses play a pivotal role in reducing osteoporosis and fragility fractures, by disseminating information to patients on prevention and management. This study highlighted that educational initiatives are required to address the deficiencies amongst emergency nurses’ understanding of osteoporosis. Enhancing knowledge will inevitably lead to increased public awareness in tackling this global health crisis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.