Hello my name is Corinne and I am an Advanced Physiotherapist working in Primary Care for Pier Health (a First Contact Physiotherapist). I have a special interest in osteoporosis and falls as I have experienced first-hand the devastating effects it can have on both an individual and their family.
I started working in Primary Care seven years ago and began to question why osteoporosis and falls risks are not routinely screened, particularly as there are National Guidelines recommending it. I therefore set about researching, increasing my knowledge and designing a new automated digital method of screening for falls and osteoporosis, using combined patient-reported and medical record data, and does not need precious clinician time.
Whilst I have achieved this aim, it has highlighted there is not the capacity or resources to scan bone mineral density (BMD) using DEXA in everyone at fracture risk (using NOGG UK FRAX guidelines), nor the capacity to refer everyone at high risk of falls for falls support (both specialist referral and within the community).
I now aim to develop a ‘bone health screening multi-disciplinary team’ spanning Primary and Secondary Care and the Voluntary Sectors (to include identification, management and monitoring of osteoporosis), to trial a new method of measuring BMD, to utilise link workers and AgeUk to support those who are falling and to roll out a phased screening programme to the adult population of Weston-super-Mare.
Anyone who is doing anything similar, or would like more information please contact me corinne.birch1@nhs.net