JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lack of osteoporosis treatment initiation post fragility fracture has been recognised as a key treatment gap, including in the primary care setting. However, it is difficult to gauge whether the barriers to treatment amongst Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) stem from factors such as uncertainty towards investigation, treatment initiation, or concerns with drug side effects. It is also unknown whether 1) knowledge gaps and other barriers differ between geographical regions, 2) improvements in treatment initiation rates are best achieved with active learning platforms or if passive learning techniques are equally as effective, and 3) whether differing Primary Care Physician (PCP) demographics (e.g., age, years of experience, practice location and patient volume) alter learning outcomes. PCPs are adopting online social media platforms for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Since PCPs are restricted by time, distance and demanding workloads, an interactive online Community Fracture Capture (CFC) learning tool may be an ideal alternative to face-to-face Learning. Our CFC pilot study tested design and content features of this new professional learning program, demonstrating its potential.

Objective:

We aim to develop and evaluate the CFC Learning Hub, an interactive, case-based, online learning platform with modules designed to address the fracture treatment gap in the community.

Methods:

The CFC Learning Hub, a secure, time-flexible, online community site, includes two key components: an online Discussion Forum containing case studies provided by participants, and a knowledge repository. Participants can post questions or comments, with bone specialist and senior PCP facilitators’ guidance to achieve the learning objectives of each module. The platform also hosts online surveys which in combination with platform analytics allow assessment of baseline knowledge gaps, level of activity/engagement and improvements following the course completion.

Results:

This study protocol demonstrated the creation of the CFC Learning Hub, featuring an interactive, case-based, small-group online learning platform equipped with flexibly-scheduled, tailored modules to address the fracture treatment gap within the community, to assess changes in PCPs’ knowledge and confidence post-engagement with the CFC Learning Hub, and thereafter to expand the roll-out of the e-learning hub and implementation of fracture liaison models at a primary care level in Australia and elsewhere. Recruitment of participants started in May 2022. Data collection, analysis, and reporting will be completed following the completion of four cycles.

Conclusions:

The Community-based Fracture Capture (CFC) program development required input from bone specialists, PCPs, website development engineers and information technology specialists to launch a user-friendly, interactive, time-flexible program to address the investigation and management gaps in osteoporosis. This project has the potential to provide a simple and engaging digital solution for promoting up-to-date bone health practice tailored to the needs and challenges facing PCPs. Future work includes application to other clinical areas and professional fields.