Nurse Practitioner Fracture Liaison Role: A Concept Analysis.

BACKGROUND

With the worldwide growing aging population, the high prevalence of osteoporosis-related fractures is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Healthcare costs for treating fractures and subsequent complications will increase to $25 billion by 2025.

PURPOSE: This article articulates a comprehensive concept analysis of the nurse practitioner fracture liaison (NPFL) role to provide new insights into the role of nurse practitioner in osteoporosis care coordination.

METHODS

Walker and Avant's concept analysis framework was used to identify the attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of the NPFL role. Model cases illustrated real-life examples of the NPFL role.

CONCLUSION

The impact of NPFL role is rather novel in promoting healthy bone living at local, national, and international communities. Linking the refined outcome of the concept analysis of the NPFL role to osteoporosis care helps close osteoporosis care gaps, improve healthcare outcomes, and alleviate financial burden by reducing secondary fracture and complications.