Implementation of an Osteoporosis Education Program Provided by Student Pharmacists in Assisted Living Facilities: A Survey Analysis of Health Care Providers

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess a student pharmacist administered osteoporosis education program given to assisted living facility staff members in order to evaluate the impact of the program on the staffs’ knowledge and attitudes about osteoporosis treatment and prevention. METHODS: The study consisted of a pre-test/post-test design to evaluate data obtained through surveys administered at assisted living facilities in the Phoenix, Arizona area. The primary dependent variables were knowledge and confidence levels of the staff in regards to osteoporosis management. The surveys included multiple choice questions that measured knowledge of osteoporosis prevention and treatment, as well as Likert-scale questions to measure confidence levels. Mean scores were calculated and paired t- tests were used to compare scores of pre-test versus post-test answers. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 5 participants. Sixty percent of the staff members were female and the mean age was 36 years old (SD 9.90). Eighty percent of the sample were certified nurse assistants. The mean pre-test score for the knowledge portion of the survey was 3.6 and the mean post-test score was 4.8 (p=0.18). The mean pre-test score on the participants confidence levels was 11.2 and the mean post-test score was 11.8 (p=0.37). Overall, the participants rated the value of the program a mean of 7.6 out of 8 possible points. CONCLUSIONS: Although not statistically significant, knowledge and confidence levels of osteoporosis management were raised in assisted living facility staff members after a student pharmacist administered presentation on the subject.