Evaluating a nurse-led DXA scanning service
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Evaluating a nurse-led DXA scanning service

Ade Adebajo Consultant rheumatologist, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
Linda Campbell Osteoporosis/research clinical nurse specialist, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Yorkshire; Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
Jonathan Hitchcock Osteoporosis nurse adviser, Ashfield Healthcare Ltd, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire

Aim To examine the feasibility of using a peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning service in a nurse-led clinic and whether or not it would influence treatment and clinician satisfaction with the service.

Method A nurse-led clinic, using peripheral DXA scans to identify patients at risk of osteoporosis, was established in the rheumatology department of the hospital. Patients were referred from several sources. A questionnaire was sent to referring health professionals with each scan result. Returned questionnaires were statistically analysed. Of the sample size of 2,000, 1,024 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 51 per cent.

Results The results confirmed the hypothesis that a nurse-led peripheral DXA scanning service is feasible and beneficial to referring clinicians. Eighty nine per cent (n=912) of respondents stated that the scan results influenced treatment of patients.

Conclusion Further investigation of the extent that the DXA scanning service may have reduced unnecessary treatment is required.

Nursing Standard. 20, 51, 35-39. doi: 10.7748/ns2006.08.20.51.35.c4488

Correspondence

jhitchcock@ashfieldhealthcare.com

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

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