Osteoarthritis: Models for appropriate care across the disease continuum

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Health
• Public Health and Healthcare Management

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major global cause of pain and disability.
• Current OA management faces significant quality gaps, including underutilization of evidence-based guidelines and personalized treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current models of OA care implementation.
• To identify key lessons for improving the delivery of OA management, focusing on nonsurgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of emerging OA care models across multiple countries.
• Synthesis of reported experiences and challenges in implementing these models.

Main Results:

• Key success factors for OA care models include stakeholder support, consistent delivery, dedicated teams, and outcome assessment.
• Significant underuse of behavioral and rehabilitative strategies in OA management persists.

Conclusions:

• Developing and evaluating comprehensive OA care models, from prevention to end-stage disease, is crucial.
• Improved, tailored management strategies are needed to address the global burden of osteoarthritis.