With a rise in aging population and rates of obesity, osteoarthritis is likely to increase in its prevalence, resulting in pain and disability for patients. The NICE quality standard issued statements to healthcare professionals on how to reduce variation in care for people suffering from osteoarthritis.
Here are ways to reduce variation in care:
1. Adults aged 45 and older should be diagnosed with osteoarthritis clinically without further investigation if they have activity-related joint pain and any morning joint stiffness lasting longer then 30 minutes.
2. The assessment on new diagnosed patients should include pain, its impact on daily activities and quality of life. This assessment allows physicians to provide positive and constructive advice to patients, resulting in increased patient satisfaction.
3. Patients should be advised to exercise in muscle strengthening activities in addition to aerobic exercise which will ultimately result in weight loss, a crucial treatment to improve joint function and pain.
4. Osteoarthritis patients must be supported with non-surgical core treatments for at least three months before they are referred for consideration for joint surgery.
5. The NICE quality standard advises against scoring tools to identity which osteoarthritis adults are eligible for referral for consideration of surgery. The accuracy of the tools in making decision has not been supported by evidence and therefore should not be used.
6. Rather than relying on scoring tools, physicians should offer support and advice to patients before reaching a shared decision based on the severity of their symptoms, their general health, their expectations of lifestyle and activity as well as the effectives of any non-surgical treatments.
More on orthopedics:
8 facts to note on hip arthroscopy's role after hip resurfacing arthroplasty
Orthopedic surgeon to know: Dr. Marc Hungerford of Mercy Orthopedic Specialty Hospital at Mercy Medical Center
Steadman Philippon Research Institute names Dr. Johnny Huard Chief Science Officer: 4 key points