This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Nonpharmacological education needed for hip, knee OA care
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Physicians and other health professionals report multiple barriers impeding nonpharmacological and nonsurgical care for osteoarthritis, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.
The researchers, from Sint Maartens Clinic, in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, added that education focused on initiating and supporting lifestyle changes, promotion of interventions according to evidence-based recommendations, and improved organization of care can possibly combat such barriers.
“Nonpharmacological, nonsurgical treatment modalities are underused in the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis,” Ellen M.H. Selten, PhD, MSc, lead author of the study and counselor with Stichting OOGG, in the Netherlands, told Healio Rheumatology. “Both patients’ and health care providers' beliefs about these treatment modalities might influence the underuse of these treatments.”
To determine how health professionals view nonpharmacological and nonsurgical care for osteoarthritis, the researchers conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 24 providers, including rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and general practitioners.
The researchers transcribed the interviews verbatim and analyzed them using a three-step thematic approach. In addition, two independent researchers continuously reviewed, compared, discussed and adjusted the medical codings, they said.
The researchers identified eight themes they said reflected three main barriers to the use of nonpharmacological and nonsurgical care for osteoarthritis. These barriers included a perceived lack of expertise on the part of the health care provider, including a lack of knowledge and skills required to support patients; a perceived lack of evidence-based treatment regarding weight management, as well as the intensity and dosage of physical exercise; and suboptimal organization of care, including hampered dialogue between disciplines and a lack of clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of disciplines.
“The findings could give guidance to some clinical improvements to improve the use of nonpharmacological, nonsurgical care in knee and hip osteoarthritis,” Selten said. “For instance, health care providers should be educated to improve their knowledge and skills to support patients in reducing weight and increasing physical activity.” – by Jason Laday
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts