Predictors of patient education by bone densitometry technologists

Objective This study investigated which factors predict the likelihood of densitometry technologists counseling their patients about osteoporosis prevention. Method Predictors of osteoporosis prevention patient education by bone densitometry technologists were analyzed in a sample of 417 radiologic technologists with ARRT advanced certification in bone densitometry and 158 densitometry technologists, none of whom were ARRT certified in bone densitometry. Results The regression model accounted for 41% of the variation in reports of bone health counseling. Densitometry technologists with high internal motivation and low personal barriers reported educating their patients about osteoporosis prevention. Conclusion Recommendations for increasing bone health promotion include increasing personal interest through sensitivity training, expanding delivery by promoting models for clinical implementation and creating educational opportunities to strengthen counseling skills.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued Healthy People 2010 (1) to identify priorities for health improvement for the first decade of this century. Specific objectives recommended [...]