Enhancing bone health through research, dissemination of knowledge and the design of new tools

Learn Osteoporosis is an offshoot of the Danish National Research Center for Bone Health that operated at the Zealand University Hospital from 2018 to 2023 ...

Based on a generous donation from the Ellab Foundation, the Center provided in-depth research on bone health and osteoporosis. Furthermore this knowledge was distributed among citizens, patients, practitioners and decision-makers across sectors and regions in Denmark.

In order not to lose the important work carried out by the Center, Learn Osteoporosis was established in the summer of 2023 by former members of the Center’s team with the primary purpose of sustaining the dissemination of knowledge on osteoporosis and the design of tools for educating health care professionals.

The Learn Osteoporosis team will also be developing new courses and new tools for health care professionals to increase awareness and knowledge, and to better assist patients in managing osteoporosis.

The Learn Osteoporosis Portal will serve as a comprehensive educational platform for healthcare professionals to access e-learning courses relevant for managing citizens at risk and patients with osteoporosis.

All the tools and booklets developed by the National Research Center for Bone Health will be available in the portal for free.

Tools for Doctors and Nurses

Developed by the Danish Research Center for Bone Health and from October 2023 onwards distributed for free at the Learn Osteoporosis Portal

Dialogue Cards

Two dialogue cards were developed in order to help doctors and nurses visualize and improve the conversation with osteoporosis patients

One dialogue card sets the framework for the conversation by presenting the most important elements of the overall treatment of osteoporosis.

The second dialogue card demonstrates how patients with vertebral fractures can alleviate pain during their daily activities by making use of breaks and intervals.

Exercise Booklets

Five exercise booklets with training exercises for patients with osteoporosis provide healthcare professionals with the option to guide the patients in basic and safe exercises.

The exercise booklets are stratified so that each booklet addresses the level of physical function and degree of osteoporosis.

The booklets can be handed out to the patients after a professional assessment of the patient category. (See assessment form below).

Exercise Videos

Patients can access the training exercises in video format through the Danish Osteoporosis Foundation and the freely available app, "Mine Knogler" ("My Bones").

Assesment Form

The assessment form is a tool designed for healthcare professionals to assist in categorising patients.

This categorization is determined by evaluating both degree of osteoporosis (bone status) and level of physical function.

Tool Guide

The tool guide for doctors and nurses is a written manual that instructs them on how to use the various tools effectively when guiding patients on physical activity and management of osteoporosis.

Additionally, the guide provides essential background information on physical activity.

Tools for Physiotherapists

Developed by the Danish Research Center for Bone Health and from October 2023 onwards distributed for free at the Learn Osteoporosis Portal

Dialogue Cards

Two dialogue cards for use in the conversation with the patient.

One dialogue card sets the framework for the conversation by presenting the most important elements of the overall treatment of osteoporosis.

The second dialogue card demonstrates how patients with vertebral fractures can alleviate pain during their daily activities by making use of breaks and intervals.

Quick Guide

A quick guide containing important points of attention, relevant tests and assessment forms for physiotherapists guiding patients with osteoporosis.

Furthermore, it gives a clear overview of relevant interventions for all patients stratified by level of physical function and degree of osteoporosis.

Booklet on New Vertebral Fracture

The booklet contains important information for patients with a new vertebral fracture.

The information consists of knowledge on how to manage everyday life as well as strategies for pain management in the early phase of a vertebral fracture.

Booklet on Diet and Supplements

A booklet on dietary requirements and supplements (Mg and Vitamin K) for patients with osteoporosis.

The patients are guided to calculate their intake of Calcium, Vitamin D, and protein supplemented with instructions on how to reach the recommended intake of Calcium based on various diet-types including vegan.

The Learn Osteoporosis Team

(From the left to the right)

  • MAGNUS GRØNLUND BENDTSEN, MSc in Sports. Since 2015, Magnus has worked with training and guidance for osteoporosis patients and citizens who want to prevent osteoporosis. He is, among other things, founder of the company "Knoglestærk" and author of the physiotherapeutic recommendations for training and rehabilitation in osteoporosis. Magnus is a trained sports coach and has experience as a trainer, teacher and lecturer.

  • METTE FRIBERG HITZ, Senior Physician, Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor and founder of the Danish Research Center for Bone Health. For a number of years, she has worked to improve the osteoporosis area, particularly with a focus on improving quality and enhancing health and quality of life for citizens with osteoporosis.

  • MARIE BÜCHERT, Cand.mag., e-learning specialist and owner of "TeachEasy", a consultancy helping clients create digital learning. For the development and design of courses on osteoporosis and bone health on the Learn Osteoporosis Portal, she contributes 20 years of experience with digital media, strategic communication and knowledge dissemination in various industries.

  • DORTE WITH, Physiotherapist and owner of "Knoglesund", has a Master's in Health Education and Health Promotion. She is the founder of Danish Physiotherapists' continuing education in Osteoporosis, and author of the physiotherapeutic recommendations for training and rehabilitation in osteoporosis. She also teaches the competence-developing courses for physiotherapists and holds workshops and lectures in collaboration with the Danish Osteoporosis Foundation.

Questions

Feel free to contact os at [email protected].

We will reply as soon as possible - usually within 48 hours.