Improving Bone Density for Children with Disabilities Trainee

Improving Bone Density for Children with Disabilities • Trainee team members: Barbra Faust, Amanda Dye, Kevin Harward • Faculty Mentor: Lisa Samson - Fang

The Problem • Research suggests that osteoporosis seen later in life may originate in childhood or adolescence • Chronic systemic illnesses can be detrimental to the growing skeleton • The lack of awareness of the risk factors that lead to low bone density in children

Our Solution • Increase parental awareness of risk factors that lead to low Vitamin D levels and reduced bone density • Encourage parents to consult their primary care physicians about bone density • Create a product that is informative and engaging

• • Conversation starter card Targets parents Promotes awareness of bone health Provides direction for future action

Conversation Starter Card • 7 -8 th grade reading level • Front side: attention grabber/risk factors – Message: All children need strong healthy bones, talk to your healthcare provider about your child’s bone health • Back side: dietary interventions increasing Calcium & Vitamin D consumption – Websites with further information

Conversation Starter Card • Consulted stakeholders: pediatricians, physical therapists, orthopedists, and parents. • Distribution: Specialty clinics at PCMC including Hematology, Orthopedics, GI, Special care clinic, Neurology, the Children with Special Healthcare Clinic, and Shriner’s Hospital. And more to come.

Distribution • $300 grant from the Utah chapter of the National Organization of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners • 500 -1000 cards from U of U printers. • PDF will be made available at multiple online locations for free

Recommendations • More panels of young adults who have disabilities – Great insight as to what issues a young adult who has a disability, is dealing with on a daily basis Critical thinking activities with a more specific and narrow scope, and realistic scenarios