Reminder System for Osteoporosis Care
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve osteoporosis care by testing a reminder system for doctors and patients after a fracture. Often, people don’t realize that a fracture might indicate osteoporosis, increasing the risk of more fractures if untreated. The study will send information letters to either just doctors or both doctors and patients to determine who benefits more. It seeks men and women over 50 who have had specific fractures, such as hip, spine, humerus, or wrist fractures, and who haven’t been treated for osteoporosis or had a recent bone density test. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to enhance osteoporosis care for future patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial excludes participants who are currently being treated with an osteoporosis medication, so you would need to stop taking any osteoporosis medications to participate.
What prior data suggests that this notification procedure is safe for improving osteoporosis care?
Research has shown that using reminder letters for osteoporosis care is safe. These letters remind doctors and patients about the importance of osteoporosis care after a fracture. Studies have found no evidence that these letters cause harm.
In fact, reminder systems like these have improved osteoporosis care. For example, one study found that reminders helped 51.5% of patients get a bone density test or start osteoporosis medication. This suggests that reminder systems are generally well-received and can effectively manage osteoporosis care.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a novel reminder system to enhance osteoporosis care, which is different from the typical medication-based treatments like bisphosphonates or hormone therapy. This approach uses information letters to improve communication and coordination between physicians and patients, aiming to ensure timely and appropriate care following a fracture. By integrating reminders into patient and physician interactions, the trial seeks to close the gap in osteoporosis management, potentially leading to better adherence to treatment plans and reduced risk of future fractures. This strategy focuses on proactive care, which could significantly improve long-term outcomes for osteoporosis patients.
What evidence suggests that this trial's notification procedure could be effective for improving osteoporosis care?
Studies have shown that sending information letters can improve osteoporosis care after a fracture. For example, one study found that 76.4% of people who received letters got checked for osteoporosis, compared to 69% who didn't receive letters. In this trial, one arm involves sending information letters to both physicians and patients, while another arm sends letters only to physicians. Another study found that reminders to doctors through electronic records led to more bone density tests and better treatment for osteoporosis. These findings suggest that reminder systems, like letters, effectively encourage both patients and doctors to take important steps in managing osteoporosis. This approach could help reduce the chance of future fractures.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
William D Leslie, MD MSc
Principal Investigator
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for men and women aged 50 or older in Manitoba who have recently had specific fractures (humerus, spine, hip with procedure, Colles' with procedure or cast) indicating possible osteoporosis. Excluded are non-residents, those under age 50, recent fracture patients, current osteoporosis medication users, and those with recent BMD tests.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Phase 1
Individuals meeting the fracture case definition are randomized to usual care, physician notification, or physician/patient notification. The use of appropriate post-fracture investigations and treatment is prospectively evaluated.
Phase 2
The intervention is refined and iteratively trialed for all individuals meeting the fracture case definition.
Phase 3
A recommendation for long-term maintenance of the post-fracture intervention is developed.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention phases.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Information letters
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Manitoba
Lead Sponsor
The Manitoba Bone Density Program Committee
Collaborator
The Manitoba Patient Access Network Steering Committee
Collaborator