Title : Multidisciplinary approaches to managing Metabolic Bone Disorders (MBD): Insights from healthcare professionals at directorate general of Khoula Hospital, Oman: Cross-section study
Abstract:
Background: Metabolic Bone Disorders (MBD) such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and Paget’s disease pose a significant global health challenge, particularly among aging populations. These disorders are associated with fractures, skeletal deformities, and reduced quality of life, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. In Oman, osteoporosis prevalence has shown an upward trend, with the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital reporting an annual average of 532 cases between 2022 and 2024. This study aims to evaluate treatment strategies, nursing management practices, and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve care for MBD patients.
Objectives:
1) Examine treatment strategies, challenges, and innovative approaches for managing MBD.
2) Evaluate nursing management practices, focusing on assessment, patient education, and care coordination.
3) Investigate the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in enhancing patient outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 65 healthcare professionals (36 nurses and 29 doctors) at the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing demographics, treatment preferences, nursing practices, training experiences, and barriers to care. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential methods such as Chi-square tests, Z-tests for proportions, and Fisher’s Exact Tests to evaluate associations and differences. Gage R&R analysis confirmed the reliability of survey measurements.
Results: Demographic analysis revealed that 45% of participants were doctors and 55% were nurses, with 71% having over 10 years of experience. Most participants worked in inpatient settings (55%). Nurses (47%) reported rare encounters with MBD cases, while doctors (62%) managed these cases weekly. Pharmacological treatments were preferred by doctors (90%) and non-pharmacological strategies by nurses (25%). Barriers included patient non-compliance (47%), lack of guidelines (27%), and limited resources (25%). Training gaps were evident, with only 15% of participants having received formal education on MBD, predominantly doctors (28%) versus nurses (6%) (p = 0.016).
Multidisciplinary collaboration was rated as good (56%) but highlighted areas for improvement. Key challenges included high patient-to-nurse ratios (46%), insufficient training (25%), and limited resources (12%). Effective nursing practices focused on patient education (57%), pain management (33%), and compliance monitoring (43%). Recommendations included structured training programs, standardized clinical guidelines, and enhanced interprofessional coordination.
Conclusions: This study highlights disparities in training, treatment preferences, and collaboration among healthcare professionals managing MBD. Nurses were less likely to receive training (6%) compared to doctors (28%), emphasizing the need for targeted educational programs and standardized protocols. Multidisciplinary collaboration showed promise but required reinforcement through clearer frameworks and team-building initiatives. Addressing these gaps can optimize patient outcomes, improve care delivery, and enhance evidence-based management strategies for MBD in Oman.
Keywords: Metabolic Bone Disorders, Multidisciplinary Care, Nursing Management, Treatment Strategies, Osteoporosis, Oman
