How are family physicians managing osteoporosis? Qualitative study of their experiences and educational needs.

OBJECTIVE To explore family physicians' experiences and perceptions of osteoporosis and to identify their educational needs in this area.

DESIGN Qualitative study using focus groups.

SETTING Four Ontario sites: one each in Thunder Bay and Timmins, and two in Toronto, chosen to represent a range of practice sizes, populations, locations, and use of bone densitometry.

PARTICIPANTS Thirty-two FPs participated in four focus groups. Physicians were identified by investigators or local contacts to provide maximum variation sampling.

METHOD Focus groups using a semistructured interview guide were audiotaped and transcribed. The constant comparative method of data analysis was used to identify key words and concepts until saturation of themes was reached.

MAIN FINDINGS Family physicians order bone densitometry and try to manage osteoporosis appropriately, but lack a rationale for testing and are confused about management. Participants' main concern was clinical management, followed by disease prevention and their educational needs.

CONCLUSION Family physicians are confused about how to manage osteoporosis. To reduce the burden of illness due to osteoporosis, educational interventions should be tailored to family physicians' needs.