Optimizing osteoporosis care in a rural primary health care center: Findings of a research study aimed to support seniors.

Background: Osteoporosis is one of the most under-diagnosed and under-treated health conditions in Canada. This study questioned whether an invitation to self-refer for osteoporosis risk evaluation would improve the number of patients who were tested for bone mineral density (BMD) at a rural Primary Health Care Center (PHCC).

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to improve osteoporosis care and decrease bone fracture risk in a population of patients 65 years of age and older.