Evaluation of an Organizational Intervention to Improve Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious public health problem that affects millions in the United States (Hootman & Helmick, 2006). National health objectives indicate an urgent need to increase the number of people educated about the causes, prevention, and treatment of OA (Sleath, Cahoon, Sloane, & Callahan, 2008). The most effective OA reduction strategies include health education, health promotion, and self-management education (Schulz, et al., 2015). Studies examining the design and implementation of education are limited. Researchers have established the a link between improving knowledge and improved health outcomes; reduced pain, increased mobility, improved joint health, and delayed surgery (Szychlinska, Leonardi, Al-Qahtani, M., Mobasheri, & Musumeci, 2016). Beneficial interventions may decrease the disability associated with OA and the need for more invasive treatments (Sharma, 2016). In our previous article titled Components of an Effective Osteoarthritis Self-Management Program, provided components needed for program implementation and how to measure the program's success by using the nursing Health Belief Model.

The purpose of this program evaluation is to improve program information and increase patient knowledge.

This evaluation used two mixed methods: (a) standardized survey (Figure 1), (b) instructor interview (Figure 2). Both evaluations were conducted by the authors with defined methods and conditions discussed under sections Participant Survey Method and Instructor Interview Method.

The program evaluation goal was met with positive reviews from all 67 participants who attended the program. Instructor interviews uncovered reasons for volunteering and gathered data used for future recommendations.

This program evaluation will provide tools for program implementation and evaluation by health organizations with the long-term aim of reducing the burden of OA and healthcare costs.