The SELF-FRAX study
SELF-FRAX is a cross-sectional observational cohort study designed to investigate fracture risk factors in men and women aged 50 years and over. It will report how well self-reported risk factors and those captured within the GP electronic health record agree.
Background
Osteoporosis is a relatively common condition. It causes a weakening of bones and makes them prone to break (fracture) easily.
Learn more about osteoporosis from the Royal Osteoporosis Society
We can identify patients at increased risk of fractures using a simple questionnaire. Significant advances in osteoporosis treatment and care have occurred over the last two decades. We now have access to a range of relatively inexpensive and safe treatments to reduce the risk of fracture, which work well.
However, three out of four people at increased risk of fracture don't receive treatment, largely because this risk goes unidentified.
A strategy that can raise awareness of increased fracture risk would lead to an improvement in the prescribing of osteoporosis treatments. This study (the SELF-FRAX study) will start to develop such a strategy. We believe that patient-centred, interactive approaches, designed with the involvement of patients and the public, can improve the quality of fracture risk information in GP care records.
What is the aim of our study?
This is an era of increasing digital communications (eg emails, texting) and interaction with our health records (eg mobile health apps). We are exploring opportunities provided by technology to enable patients to voluntarily complete a fracture risk assessment questionnaire. We are determining the most effective way(s) for doing this so that, in the future, patients can update their health records directly.
The SELF-FRAX study aims to increase awareness of fracture risk factors and improvements in osteoporosis care. This will, in turn, benefit patients as it will reduce the number of fractures that occur and improve their quality of life.
How will our study benefit patients?
Ultimately, our work will result to an increase in awareness of fracture risk factors and improvements in osteoporosis care. This will lead to a reduction in the number of patients suffering fractures and an improvement in their quality of life.
What does the study involve?
Through their GP, we are inviting men and women ages 50 years and older to tell us about their fracture risk factors using a simple online questionnaire. We are also asking them if we can link their questionnaire answers with the information held in their GP health records. This will help us to see how well the information from the questionnaires agrees with their health records. We intend to approach around 30,000 men and women across the UK.
Who are we working with?
During this study we are working with patients, GPs, nurses, pharmacists and other community-based health professionals. These interactions will help us to identify opportunities and address barriers to delivering a step change in osteoporosis care.
Funders and partners
The SELF-FRAX study is being led by the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, UK). It has been funded by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) (BATH, UK). Our partners include Keele University (Newcastle, UK) and TPP (Leeds, UK)