OPTIONS: osteoporosis prevention in UK schools

This article outlines the progress made by the subcommittee of the Royal College of Nursing Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing (RCN SOTN) to assess the feasibility of the implementation of a research programme devised in the United States of America to assess the awareness of the risks of developing osteoporosis by teenagers, Osteoporosis Prevention Teaching In Our Nations Schools (OPTIONS). The programme was brought to the UK in 2002 and permission was granted by the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) in America to anglicise it and deliver educational sessions to students, aged 14 years and assess the impact of that education. Background to the project will be discussed and an outline of future plans is included.