Development of an exercise therapy referral clinical support tool for patients with osteoporosis at risk for falls.

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a clinical support tool for osteoporosis clinic providers to support risk assessment and referrals for evidence-based exercise therapy programs.

Methods: A sequential Delphi method was used with a multidisciplinary group of national falls experts, to provide consensus on referral to exercise therapy for patients at risk for falls. The Delphi study included a primary research team, expert panel, and clinical partners to answer the questions: (1) "What patient characteristics are needed to develop a clinical support tool?"; (2) "What are the recommended exercise referrals for patients with osteoporosis at risk for falls?" The consensus process consisted of two rounds with 8 weeks between meetings.