Experiences of being diagnosed with osteoporosis: a meta-synthesis M. J. Rothmann 1,2,3,4 & P. R. Jakobsen 1,3,4 & C. M. Jensen 3,4,5 & A. P. Hermann 1,3 & A. C Smith 4,6 & J. Clemensen 3,4 Received: 20 September 2017 /Accepted: 15 February 2018 # International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation 2018 Abstract Summary This systematic review provides synthesised knowledge and guidance to health professionals on the experiences and perspectives of being diagnosed with osteoporosis from the patient’ s point of view. Using individuals_ experiences and meanings can promote tailored and targeted information and guidance on osteoporosis, bone care and treatment at different stages of the osteoporosis trajectory. Introduction To be diagnosed with osteoporosis with or without fragility fractures affects individuals differently. The aim of this review was firstly to aggregate existing qualitative evidence regarding an individual_s experience of being diagnosed with osteoporosis at different stages, and secondly, to use a systematic approach to develop a conceptual understanding of central issues relevant for health professionals in order to provide support and guidance to patients/individuals. Methods This study used a systematic review methodology and methods for qualitative synthesis as recommended by Cochrane and integrated the findings of qualitative research from eight databases (Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, SweMed+, PsycINFO, ERIC, Web of Science) to July 2016. Selection and assessment were performed by three authors while four authors were involved in the analysis. Findings were cross-checked with the original article to ensure consistency with the individual’ s accounts. Results Our findings have revealed that individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis do not perceive osteoporosis as a biomedical trajectory but as a self-perceived continuum of severity and health. To be diagnosed with osteoporosis affects individuals differently depending on, for example, personal experience, pre-conceived notions of or knowledge about the disease, fragility fractures or pain. Hence, individuals will create a meaning of the diagnosis based on self-perceived fracture risk, self-perceived severity of osteoporosis and at the same time, self-perceived health. Conclusions This meta-synthesis provides knowledge for health professionals on the experiences and perspectives of being diagnosed with osteoporosis from the patient’ s point of view. The experience, meaning and significance of osteoporosis must be taken into consideration and can be used to promote tailored and targeted information and guidance on osteoporosis, bone care and treatment at different stages of the osteoporosis trajectory. Keywords Osteoporosis . Systematic review . Qualitative research . Patient experiences Background Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease that affects approx- imately 40% of women and 17% of all men aged 50 years or older [1]. For many individuals, osteoporosis is a silent dis- ease without symptoms; however, osteoporosis is a potential serious disease due to fractures, chronic pain, decreased activ- ity of daily living and increased mortality [2]. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is primarily based on the T-score (WHO classifi- cation), while fragility fractures are considered as clinical con- sequences of the disease [3]. A number of large randomised, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that fracture risk can be reduced by medical treatment [4]. However, per- sons diagnosed with osteoporosis may never suffer a fragility fracture, even when not treated. * M. J. Rothmann mette.rothmann@rsyd.dk 1 Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Kloevervaenget 6, 8.sal, 5000 Odense C, Denmark 2 Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark 3 Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark 4 Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, University of Southern Denmark & Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark 5 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark 6 Centre for Online Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Archives of Osteoporosis (2018) 13:21 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-018-0436-6