Community pharmacy-based implementation and evaluation of an Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians

Objectives: To implement an osteoporosis screening and referral program in community pharmacies and evaluate the use of the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) as the screening instrument. Design: Uncontrolled study. Setting: Three community pharmacies in Bangkok, Thailand. Patients: 51 women aged 50 years or older without prior diagnosis of osteoporosis; three community pharmacists; six hospital-based physicians. Intervention: OSTA assessment by community pharmacists of the risks of osteoporosis in patients; counseling of patients about diet and exercise; referral of patients at high risk (OSTA index value less than -4) to hospitals where pharmacists had made arrangements in advance; and assessment of satisfaction and opinions of participating patients and physicians. Results: Of the 51 patients, 32 (62.7%) were categorized as low risk (OSTA index value > -1) and 19 (37.3%) as intermediate risk (OSTA index value range, -4 to -1). The majority of patients (97%) were satisfied with the program and the knowledge gained. Even though no high-risk patients were identified and referred for medical care, all six participating physicians agreed with having risk assessment service in community pharmacies and the prearranged referral system, and five of six physicians believed that OSTA results were valuable in the management of osteoporosis. Conclusion: Community pharmacy-based osteoporosis risk assessment services using OSTA were well accepted by the patients and participating physicians. Public health benefits may result from the provision of osteoporosis risk screening services in community pharmacies in Thailand and other Asian countries.