In the future, the Osteoporosis counsellor will have a significant role in the provision of information, counselling and support.

The osteoporosis patient’s  need for information  is especially great. The disease can be carried for a considerable length of time without showing any symptoms and many patients are not aware of this. There is also a great need for the support and provision of any necessary changes of life style. Doctors do not have the time to inform patients and their associates in a very comprehesive way.

According to studies, too little information is the main reason for not keeping up with therapy or discontinuing medication. Osteoporosis counsellors can organise events to inform patients, training for and counselling patients. The areas of lifestyle, nutrition, movement, physiotherapy, preventing falls and coping with disease are, above all, focussed in their work.

Fields of responsibility:

Regional contact person for patients, doctors, physiotherapists, nutrition advisor, health authorities etc.

Organisation of information events.

Training of patients (the medical part is carried out by doctors).

Initiation of osteoporosis self-help groups.

Target groups:

Adult educationalists,

those affiliated with health profession such as:

•        Doctors’ assistants
•        Nurses and auxilliary nurses
•        Physiotherapists
•        Nutritionists/ dieticians
•        Employees at health advisory offices.