Resumo

HIGUERAS LINARES, T. et al. Knowledge of osteoporosis, and the pharmaceutical expenditure it entails, in the primary health care system of the Canary Islands. Rev Osteoporos Metab Miner [online]. 2014, vol.6, n.4, pp.89-96. ISSN 2173-2345.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1889-836X2014000400004.

Background: Osteoporosis is a disease which can be managed by different specialisms, one of which is the family doctor. In this study we analyse the knowledge of osteoporosis, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach taken to this disease, among primary care doctors in the Canarian archipelago, as well as making a first approximation of the expenditure on drugs used to treat this disease in 2013. Material and method: Observational, descriptive, transverse study conducted between May 2013 and May 2014 with all primary care doctors in the Canarian health service. An anonymous survey covering 13 points was developed. The capture of the data about expenditure on drugs was facilitated by the service for the control of supply and rational use of medicines of the Canarian health service. Results: 28.60% of primary care doctors in the Canarian archipelago responded to the survey. Of these, 75.30% reported using risk factors in evaluating the risk of fractures. Not a very high percentage, approximately half of the respondents, request densitometries, while 28.60% routinely use scales for the evaluation of risk of fracture and 32.80% use them occasionally. 90% of the professionals recommend non-pharmacological measures for the prevention of fractures in their patients, although 91% do not normally request a determination of blood levels of vitamin D. In 2013 the expenditure on drugs for osteoporosis by the Canarian health service amounted to € 7,684,393.61, of which € 7,265,491.06 was in primary care. Conclusions: The Canarian primary care doctors who responded to the survey had, in general, a good knowledge of osteoporosis, and of its risk factors, but focussed their professional activity more on prevention than treatment. The drug most commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis in primary care is risedronate. Expenditure on drugs for osteoporosis in the Canarian archipelago in 2013 amounted to € 7,684,393.61, 94% of which was in primary care.

Palavras-chave : osteoporosis; primary care; doctor; knowledge; drug expenditure.

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