Management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis: a study of the primary care perspective

Examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of primary care clinicians regarding the management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (OA).

Case vignette-based survey.

A survey was distributed to 251 physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) in the primary care setting. The survey assessed practice patterns in the management of patients with mild-to-moderate OA, as well as attitudes toward guidelines and future educational topics that may be of benefit to the clinician.

We found that primary care clinicians are most likely to treat mild-to-moderate OA with an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regimen. Patients with initial or recurrent OA were "very likely" to be recommended to a physical therapy maintenance program. Two-thirds of respondents claimed to be unfamiliar with Osteoarthritis Research Society International guidelines for OA management.

This study reflects the need for further education for primary care physicians, NPs, and PAs on the management of OA.