Pop-up messages in order communication systems can increase awareness of osteoporosis among physicians and improve osteoporosis treatment.

Rationale, Aims And Objectives: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of pop-up messages (regarding a history of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]) on the identification and management of osteoporosis after osteoporotic hip or spine fractures. We hypothesized that these pop-up messages would increase the awareness and management of osteoporosis among clinicians and patients.

Methods: We introduced pop-up messages regarding a history of DXA in our Order Communication System (March 2012) and evaluated the records of 404 patients who were treated between January 2011 and December 2012. The patients were categorized as being treated without the pop-up messages (Group I, before March 2012) or with the pop-up messages (Group II, after March 2012). We compared their rates of DXA prescription, osteoporosis medication, exercise, mortality and subsequent refractures during a 2-year follow-up.

Results: After introducing the pop-up messages, the DXA prescription rate increased from 35.1 to 57.1% (P < 0.001), the osteoporosis medication rate increased from 21.1 to 25.2% (P = 0.05) and the exercise rate increased from 35.6 to 40.5% (P = 0.018). During the 2-year follow-up, the mortality rates were 4.64% in Group I and 6.67% in Group II (P = 0.4). Subsequent refractures were found in 12.9% of Group I patients and 9.52% of Group II patients (P = 0.87).

Conclusion: The pop-up messages positively affected the behaviours of orthopaedic surgeons and were associated with increased rates of prescription of DXA, osteoporosis medication, and might affect the behaviour of patient, increased exercise rate. Therefore, we recommend using this simple and effective method to improve physicians' awareness of osteoporosis.