Current osteoarthritis treatment, prescribing influences and barriers to implementation in primary care

To explore general practitioners' (GPs) management of osteoarthritis (OA).

OA represents a large burden on primary care. Little is known about GPs' current management of OA, especially influences on their prescribing quality care and the barriers they face while doing so.

A total of 1006 GPs were randomly selected and invited to participate in an online survey on assessment and treatment of OA, on factors influencing their management, burden on their practice, and on the need for improving care.

There were 232 respondents (23%). National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance (65%) and professional experience (64%) were the biggest influences on OA management. When assessing patients, pain and mobility were most frequently assessed, with quality of life, independent living, sleep and depression addressed by over half of them. In all, 52% did not use educational materials; only a third of users rated their current educational material as good or very good. Treatments employed were largely in line with NICE recommendations. Prescription review was reported by a high proportion (74%). Achieving adequate pain control and lack of time were the most frequently cited challenges, whereas more time with patients, collaboration with specialist colleagues and improved communication tools were the most common needs identified to improve OA management. In summary, national guidelines are an important influence for GP treatment of OA. This survey has highlighted issues about the adequacy of information available for OA, about GPs' need for more time with OA patients and their interaction with specialist colleagues.