Mobile Health Technology – an offer to postmenopausal women with osteoporosis? A PhD study in Patient@home

Background: In the Danish health care system, there is increased focus on promoting self-care and empowerment among patients. Future patients are expected to be more involved in their treatment. This will enable them to participate in planning and decisions related to handling a diagnosis. Increasingly, mobile health technology is being recognized as an important and efficient tool in facilitating patient – physician communication and collaboration. This promotes self-care among patients with chronic conditions 1. Osteoporosis is a skeletal chronic disease that has become recognised as a major health problem in the world. Although the diagnosis of the disease relies on quantitative assessment of bone mineral density, the clinical significance of osteoporosis lies in the fractures that potentially occur. Early detection and treatment of osteoporosis is essential in preventing disabilities due to fractures. It is also essential for improving prognoses, quality of life, and prevention of premature death 2. Qualitative studies show that women often feel like being in a grey zone between healthy and sick when diagnosed with osteoporosis without having a fracture 3. In a recent Danish qualitative study concerning women diagnosed with osteoporosis, the findings suggest a need for improved support for the women. This support will help them gain an understanding of their diagnosis and the risk of osteoporotic fracture. It will also help them in learning to live with osteoporosis 4.