Management and Treatment of Osteoporosis in N.S. Expected to Improve
HEALTH--Management and Treatment of Osteoporosis in N.S. Expected to Improve
The management and treatment of osteoporosis in Nova Scotia is expected to improve after the Provincial Osteoporosis Project is fully implemented.
Health Minister Jane Purves said today, June 13, that the Department of Health and its partners are making progress implementing the project.
Twelve recommendations were made to government by the provincial osteoporosis committee in June 2002 to reduce the number of bone fractures caused by osteoporosis and prevent Nova Scotians from getting the disease.
A project management committee was struck in August 2002 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. Some of the recommendations include increasing access to diagnostic testing, educating the public and health care providers, and developing guidelines and standards for diagnostic testing equipment.
Since then, Sydney and Yarmouth have received two new bone density machines and Truro has extended the hours of use of its machine. Guidelines for bone density tests were created and released to all physicians in the province. An education program for health care professionals also began in the spring of 2003. Work is under way to implement the remaining recommendations.
"With nearly 60,000 Nova Scotians who live with osteoporosis and often suffer from fractures, the government remains committed to moving forward on these recommendations," said Ms. Purves. "Our current initiative, which provides health care professionals with valuable, evidence-based information about osteoporosis, is a long-term approach to preventing injuries and better managing patients with the disease."
Over the next year, education sessions will be offered to family physicians, nutritionists, pharmacists, occupational therapists and other health professionals. The sessions for nurses, which are now under way, were developed and are being taught by nurses, incorporating information specific to their roles and skill sets.
June 9 to 15 is Osteoporosis Awareness Week in Nova Scotia. During the week, the Nova Scotia chapter of the Osteoporosis Society of Canada is hosting several public education sessions across the province. The Osteoporosis Society of Canada is also holding its annual meeting and symposium in Halifax.
Jean Murdock, chair of the Nova Scotia chapter, is an active member of the Provincial Osteoporosis Project management committee.
"Working with the Department of Health and health care professionals on the osteoporosis project is creating opportunities to help educate the public and health care providers," said Ms. Murdock. "Our work today will help raise awareness of the disease, improve the quality of life for those who have osteoporosis and teach people preventative strategies. We are doing good work, yet there is much more to be done."
The overall goal of the Provincial Osteoporosis Project is to reduce fractures and associated effects on individuals with osteoporosis. It is estimated that osteoporosis affects 43,000 women and 15,000 men over the age of 50 in Nova Scotia.