44 BONE HEALTH AND FRACTURE RISK: KNOWLEDGE, OPINION AND PRACTICE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Abstract

Background: Osteoporotic-related fractures are responsible for excessmortality, morbidity, chronic pain, reduction in quality of life, admission to long-term care and health and social care costs (Papaioannou et al, 2010). Evidence for using Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) based community-screening in older people is increasing (Kanis et al, 2020).There is no published evidence on the use of FRAX by Physiotherapists. Method(s): A questionnaire was sent to South Eastern Branch members of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP). Survey themes were: participant characteristics, knowledge and opinion in the areas of Bone Health and Fracture Risk. Responses were downloaded from Survey Monkey and analysed using descriptive statistics. Result(s): The response rate was 27% (n=56). 72% (n=40) of those surveyed had at least 10 years clinical experience. For 65% (n=37) of participants, older people made up more than half of their clinical caseload. 96% (n=54) of participants treated people with frailty and other bone health risk factors; falls (93%), osteoporosis (89%), fracture or reduced mobility (87%). On a scale of 1-10 (1=least confident, 10=most confident) 49% of respondents rated confidence in prescribing Bone Health Physiotherapy interventions at