Mobile DXA Services in the UK: an implementation & outcome evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mobile Bone Density Scanning Services in the UK: an implementation and outcome evaluation
IRAS ID
162857
Contact name
Rosemary Hollick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 17 days
Research summary
Osteoporosis (thin bones) results in bones that are more prone to fracture (break). Lifetime risk of fracture in patients > 50 years is 1 in 2 for women and 1 in 5 for men. As the population ages, this will significantly impact on health and social care resources. Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan is routinely used to identify individuals at highest risk of fracture who would benefit most from treatment.
The Grampian Osteoporosis Service, based in Aberdeen, covers 3000 square miles, including Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Shetland. Some patients have a 500 mile round trip for DXA scan. Evidence suggests current DXA services are not reaching many patients at highest risk of fracture. We recently launched a mobile bone density scanning service to address this. Mobile DXA services have been introduced elsewhere in the UK, with variable success. We want to know what factors influence the processes of establishing a service, whether the mobile service is effective and how it compares to the existing service in terms of quality and cost. By looking at similar services elsewhere in the UK, we also want to know the factors determining access to DXA services, the key ‘ingredients’ necessary to set-up and run mobile DXA services and what helps or hinders this.
We plan to interview of number of individuals; Health Board members responsible for developing health services, doctors, radiographers and other staff involved in setting-up, funding and running mobile DXA services, locally and elsewhere in the UK. GPs and patients who use the local service will also be interviewed. By gathering a wide range of views we can understand how, why and where these services work. Lessons learned from this project can hopefully be applied more widely to improve service development within the NHS.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1946
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion