Strategies to Implement Knee Osteoarthritis Guidelines in Switzerland

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic condition in Switzerland with significant socioeconomic impact.
• Aging populations and risk factors contribute to rising KOA prevalence.
• Switzerland exhibits high knee replacement rates, indicating a potential evidence-performance gap in KOA management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges in current knee osteoarthritis (KOA) care pathways in Switzerland.
• To propose strategies for improving KOA management and closing the evidence-performance gap.
• To foster coordinated, patient-centered care for KOA.

Main Methods:

• Stakeholder dialogue involving medical associations, physiotherapy associations, patient organizations, health insurers, and researchers.
• Analysis of current patient pathways and treatment sequencing.
• Identification of barriers to evidence-based KOA management.

Main Results:

• Identified variations in patient pathways and premature escalation to specialist care.
• Highlighted misalignment of patient and provider expectations.
• Revealed inconsistent implementation of evidence-based guidelines for KOA.

Conclusions:

• Proposed strategies include a national Model of Care, enhanced patient health literacy, and improved patient navigation.
• Closing the evidence-performance gap necessitates provider collaboration for better outcomes and reduced inappropriate care.
• Coordinated, patient-centered KOA management is crucial for the Swiss healthcare system.