Discussing prognosis with patients with osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional survey in general practice

Clarson, L.E., Nicholl, B.I. , Bishop, A., Daniel, R. and Mallen, C.D. (2016) Discussing prognosis with patients with osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional survey in general practice. Clinical Rheumatology, 35(4), pp. 1011-1017. (doi: 10.1007/s10067-015-3094-8) (PMID:26474771)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10067-015-3094-8

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability and one of the most common conditions diagnosed and managed in primary care. Despite the evidence that patients would value discussions about the course of osteoarthritis to help them make informed treatment decisions and plan for the future, little is known of GPs’ practice of, or views regarding, discussing prognosis with these patients. A cross-sectional postal survey asked 2500 randomly selected UK GPs their views on discussing prognosis with patients with osteoarthritis and potential barriers or facilitators to such discussions. They were also asked if prognostic discussions were part of their current practice and what indicators they considered important in assessing the prognosis associated with osteoarthritis. Of 768 respondents (response rate 30.7 %), the majority felt it necessary to discuss prognosis with osteoarthritis patients (n = 738, 96.1 %), but only two thirds reported that it was part of their routine practice (n = 498, 64.8 %). Most respondents found predicting the course of osteoarthritis (n = 703, 91.8 %) and determining the prognosis of patients difficult (n = 589, 76.7 %). Obesity, level of physical disability and pain severity were considered the most important prognostic indicators in osteoarthritis. Although GPs consider prognostic discussions necessary for patients with osteoarthritis, few prioritise these discussions. Lack of time and perceived difficulties in predicting the disease course and determining prognosis for patients with osteoarthritis may be barriers to engaging in prognostic discussions. Further research is required to identify ways to assist GPs making prognostic predictions for patients with osteoarthritis and facilitate engagement in these discussions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Nicholl, Dr Barbara
Authors: Clarson, L.E., Nicholl, B.I., Bishop, A., Daniel, R., and Mallen, C.D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
Journal Name:Clinical Rheumatology
Publisher:Springer London
ISSN:0770-3198
ISSN (Online):1434-9949
Published Online:16 October 2015
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Clinical Rheumatology 35(4): 1011-1017
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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