Education and Social Support as Key Factors in Osteoarthritis Management Programs: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Education

Background:

• Systematic reviews indicate limited benefits and high variability in osteoarthritis self-management programs.
• Understanding the components of these interventions is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To scope and describe the nature of self-management interventions for osteoarthritis.
• Focus on the inclusion and types of education and social support components within these programs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a narrative synthesis of 23 studies identified through a systematic search of major databases (PsycINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library) from 1990 to 2016.
• Included studies focused on community-based osteoarthritis management with disease-specific education and social support.

Main Results:

• All 23 included studies featured educational components, with 18 being osteoarthritis-specific.
• Social support was commonly provided by peers and healthcare professionals over 5-52 weeks.
• Interventions were complex and multicomponent, but lacked detailed documentation of rationale or specific content.

Conclusions:

• Osteoarthritis self-management interventions are diverse, incorporating both education and social support.
• Greater precision in defining theoretical underpinnings, components, and mechanisms is needed.
• This will enhance understanding and inform best practices for developing effective osteoarthritis self-management programs.