Closing the evidence-practice gap for non-pharmacologic and non-surgical osteoarthritis care with an e-health knowledge translation strategy

Osteoarthritis is an extremely common, extremely costly disease that will become more prevalent as the population ages. Treatment delivered in primary care settings does not always reflect ‘best practice’ care for the disease. In particular, non-surgical and non-drug interventions such as exercise, weight loss and education regarding self management are underutilized. One reason that clinicians do not always implement these important, effective interventions is that they are not sufficiently trained or knowledgeable in all aspects of evidence informed treatment of the disease. The present study is the first in a four stage international research project, ultimately aimed at developing a web-based training resource that will substantially increase the number of clinicians and students who are knowledgeable and skilled in optimal osteoarthritis treatment. The present project will use qualitative analysis to understand baseline practitioner and student perspective regarding their confidence, knowledge and learning needs in implementing recommended non-surgical and non-drug treatments for osteoarthritis in primary care settings.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nafissa Ismail

Student:

Partner:

Curtin University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Education; Information and Communications Technology

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: