Assessing Health Care Providers' Knowledge of Arthritis-Appropriate, Evidence-Based Interventions Through Online...

Physical activity is an important nonpharmacological strategy for managing arthritis-attributable pain and improving physical function. To prepare health care providers (HCPs) to deliver this care, the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Medscape Education developed an online clinical practice assessment activity (CPA). This activity aimed to help HCPs assess their knowledge of arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs) and better incorporate them into treatment programs.

A 27-question CPA was launched in November 2022 and analyzed in May 2025. Educational effectiveness was assessed with a repeated-pairs preassessment/postassessment. Responses to multiple choice and confidence questions were aggregated and analyzed to help us understand participants' current practices and education needs for the management of patients with arthritis.

Approximately 20,000 HCPs accessed the CPA; 4,395 completed the assessment and were included in the analysis. Less than two-thirds (59.8%) correctly identified recommendations about weekly moderate-intensity physical activity for adults with arthritis. After participating in the CPA, 82.2% agreed or strongly agreed that their awareness of AAEBIs and their benefits had increased.

HCPs showed a need for education to reinforce, improve, or extend knowledge about arthritis risk factors, barriers to physical activity, and physical activity prescription.