Enabling osteoporosis treatment in post-acute care: An algorithm for providers

Approximately 60 % of older adults with a hospitalized fracture receive post-acute care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), yet fewer than 10-20 % receive osteoporosis treatment following a fracture. This study sought to understand SNF providers' perspectives on osteoporosis treatment and to receive feedback on a pocketcard to guide osteoporosis treatment in the post-acute care setting. We interviewed 17 SNF providers with 2+ years of post-acute care experience from 13 states. Five providers reported they never prescribe osteoporosis treatment (29 %), six said rarely (35 %), four said sometimes (24 %), and two said often (12 %). Sixteen providers thought the pocketcard would be helpful (94 %). Few SNF providers routinely consider osteoporosis treatment, and the revised pocketcard offers a practical algorithm and information about osteoporosis medications that could be used to inform treatment discussions. For eligible patients with fracture, SNF providers should recognize their key role in initiating osteoporosis treatment.