Author:

Abstract:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder worldwide. This slow degenerative disease mainly affects knees, hips or hands. It is the 11th highest contributor to global disability on the WHO list because it often leads to pain, impaired mobility and stiffness in adults and elderly. Worldwide approximately 250 million people (3.6% of the global population) have knee OA. The prevalence of symptomatic knee OA in the United States is already 16.7% at the age of 45, respectively 13.5% in men and 18.7% in women. Obesity, female sex, increasing age and previous knee injury are important risk factors for knee OA. Knee OA will probably become a more imminent problem in the near future because life expectancy and obesity are increasing worldwide. In the Netherlands demographics suggest that OA-patients will grow with 40% between 2011 and 2030, worldwide even with 52% by 2040. The overall aim of this study is to improve the management of knee OA in primary care in Flanders. In order to improve the knee OA management, we first have to evaluate the magnitude of the problem and current care. Subsequently, the current care has to be compared with optimal care as described in evidence based guidelines. In addition, barriers and facilitators for optimal guideline adherence have to be explored and analyzed. Finally, this information makes it possible to develop specific intervention tools to improve guideline adherence and optimize care. Evaluation of these tailored interventions should gain more insight into the feasibility to improve knee OA management in primary care.