Osteoporosis Care Certificate Program

Osteoporosis-related fractures result in significant morbidity, mortality, and medical expense, and cause pain, deformity, and disability. More than 1.5 million Americans develop fractures related to osteoporosis each year and 54% of 50 year-old women will sustain osteoporosis-related fractures during their remaining lifetime. Osteoporosis-related hip fractures are associated with a 50% rate long-term institutionalization and a mortality rate of 5 to 20%.

The annual financial costs due to osteoporosis in the U.S. exceed $10 billion. Because of the aging population and increases over time in the incidence of fractures, these already enormous costs will more than double over the next 30 years unless a comprehensive program of evaluation, education, and treatment is initiated soon.

Community pharmacists are in an ideal position to identify patients at risk for osteoporosis or help manage patients who have already developed the disease. This program is tailored to community practice and provides practical information community pharmacists need to screen for and help manage osteoporosis patients.

This program can be applied toward the attainment of the NIPCO Pharmacist Care Diplomate Credential. This program will provide participants with 15 ACPE CE contact hours (1.5 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education, and is available online.

Professional Competencies

Define osteoporosis and describe its prevalence and classification. Discuss the risk factors associated with developing osteoporosis. Describe the behavioral/lifestyle modifications for the prevention/management of osteoporosis and fractures including smoking cessation, exercise, nutritional strategies, and fall prevention. Discuss the role and value of the various pharmacotherapeutic choices to treat osteoporosis and monitor their response to therapy. Educate patients about the various pharmacotherapeutic choices to treat osteoporosis and monitor their response to therapy. Identify the state and federal regulations that must be considered and implemented prior to BMD testing in a community pharmacy. Discuss the bone density measurement technology currently available for use by community pharmacists.