Patient education in groups increases knowledge of osteoporosis and adherence to treatment: a two-year randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Non-adherence to pharmacological treatment in osteoporosis is a well-recognized problem. We hypothesized that a group-based educational programme would increase patients' knowledge and level of adherence with medical treatment. METHODS A total of 300 patients (32 men aged 65 ± 9 years and 268 women aged 63 ± 8 years), recently diagnosed with osteoporosis, were randomised to either an osteoporosis school programme (four classes of 8-12 participants over four weeks) or a control group. Teaching was multidisciplinary, based on patients' experiences and background and designed to encourage empowerment. Patients' knowledge about osteoporosis and adherence to treatment was assessed with self-completed questionnaires at baseline and after 3, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS There were no significant differences at baseline between the two groups with respect to knowledge score or level of adherence. At two years' follow-up, the improvement in knowledge score was 2 [0-4] points (median [25-75 percentiles]) in the school group and 0 [-2 to 2] in controls (p<0.001) and self-reported adherence to pharmacological therapy was significantly higher in the school group (92%) compared to the control group (80%), p<0.001. CONCLUSION The programme increased knowledge about osteoporosis and increased self-reported adherence to pharmacological treatment over a period of two years.