Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

The Michael Mason Prize: Development and feasibility testing of a complex intervention to improve adherence to fracture prevention medicine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives
Only 12% of people recommended fracture prevention medicines remain on treatment 1 year post fracture. The improving uptake of Fracture Prevention treatments (iFraP) intervention aims to improve shared decision-making (SDM) about, and uptake of, osteoporosis medicines in Fracture Liaison Services (FLS). This paper details development and feasibility.

Methods
Intervention development was underpinned by (1) theories of SDM, medicines adherence, and behaviour change; (2) integrated findings from seven development studies; and (3) extensive patient and clinician contribution, identifying key ‘needs’ to address and the intervention’s content, functionality and scope.

Feasibility testing was conducted at one English FLS. Intervention consultations were observed and audio recorded. Interviews completed with FLS clinicians and patients explored perceived acceptability and feasibility.

Results
Intervention development identified patient and clinician unmet needs for personalised and evidence-based information about osteoporosis, its consequences, and its treatment within and after FLS consultations, to facilitate clinical and SDM about medicines. The prototype intervention (osteoporosis decision support tool, clinician skills training, and information resources), was designed to meet identified needs and overcome barriers to use.

Clinicians delivered the prototype iFraP intervention in 10 consultations with consenting patients. Findings demonstrated that the intervention was acceptable and feasible to deliver, with potential to improve patient outcomes. The intervention was refined to support implementation.

Conclusion
The multi-facilitated approach to intervention development and testing ensured that the iFraP intervention appears acceptable and feasible for use in UK FLS to support SDM about osteoporosis medicines. The iFraP trial will evaluate implementation, and cost and clinical effectiveness.
Original languageEnglish
JournalRheumatology
Early online date20 Aug 2025
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 20 Aug 2025

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Michael Mason Prize: Development and feasibility testing of a complex intervention to improve adherence to fracture prevention medicine'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this