Dr. med. Jochen Schumacher
Duration: 1 January 2005 – 31 December 2006
Center: “Klinik für Altersmedizin und Frührehabilitation Ruhr-Universität Bochum” (Clinic for Geriatric Medicine and Early Rehabilitation at Ruhr University, Bochum), Marienhospital Herne (Director: Prof. Dr. Ludger Pientka)
Research project
Bone fractures in high-risk men and women aged over 75: Prevalence, care, and effectiveness of independently implemented preventive measures
Background:
Osteoporosis-related fractures in the elderly are a growing social and economic problem. In March 2003, the “Dachverband der deutschsprachigen osteologischen Gesellschaften” (DVO) (Federation of German-Speaking Osteology Societies) published evidence-based (S3) guidelines identifying the population at particularly high risk of fracture and providing recommendations for primary and secondary prophylaxis of fractures in the elderly. There is still a lack of information on the prevalence and current care situation of these high-risk individuals and regarding the effectiveness of the measures for fracture prevention recommended in the guidelines.
Research questions:
- Based on the risk evaluation for fractures contained in the DVO guidelines, what is the prevalence of high-risk individuals among the over-75s?
- What is the current status of care for these individuals?
- Which specific problems and obstacles can be expected among patients advised to implement the recommendations?
- How effective are measures to reduce fractures in this age group?
Procedure:
Structured interviews based on the guidelines will be used to identify indicators for the risks, care situation, and standard of knowledge regarding fractures among the elderly. The interviews will be followed by tests of Body Mass Index, blood pressure, pulse, falling hazards, bone density (using DXA), and laboratory parameters for secondary risk factors. The effectiveness of measures to prevent fractures will subsequently be evaluated in a randomized and controlled longitudinal study with multiple interventions, including patient training and an exercise program.