Improving uNderstanding of bone DEnsity (dXa) scans (INDEX)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How can understanding of DXA scans among primary and secondary care professionals & patients be optimised to inform treatment decision-making?
IRAS ID
325335
Contact name
Laurna Bullock
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 17 days
Research summary
Background
Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a bone density scan (also often referred to as a 'DXA' scan), which calculates how dense your bones are. Understanding your own bone density scan result is of critical importance in understanding your own risk of fracture and to inform decision-making about medicines. However, patients and clinicians report uncertainty about the purpose of bone density scans, difficulty understanding results (described using ‘T scores’, ‘Z scores’ and terms such as osteopenia), and clinicians report difficulty in being able to explain results. This uncertainty may reduce the chance of someone being prescribed, or deciding to take medicines that could help reduce their risk of a broken bone.Aims
This research aims to:
1. understand what patients, primary care professionals (PCPs) and secondary care professionals (SCPs) think the purpose of bone density scans are, what their results mean, and how this affects their understanding and actions, using think aloud semi-structured interviews
2. use a stakeholder group to codevelop draft resources to improve communication and understanding of bone density scans and bone density results, which will be informed by recommendations made by participants in a group consensus meeting.Methods
To address aim 1, we will conduct think aloud interviews to understand patients', PCPs and non-specialist SCPs experiences and views of bone density scans and bone density scan results. We will analyse the interview data using a framework method.To address aim 2, we will conduct a group consensus meeting (using a Nominal Group Technique approach) with expert participants to develop key recommendations on how to improve communication and understanding of bone density scans and bone density scan reports. These recommendations will guide our stakeholder group meetings to create draft resources.
Our dedicated Osteoporosis Research User Group will meet regularly throughout the study, with patient and public members also attending stakeholder meetings.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0361
Date of REC Opinion
31 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion