Abstract
[Abstract number 356]
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in the UK with pain, stiffness, joint deformity and mobility problems having a substantial impact on quality of life (NICE, 2014). Although associated with the
elderly it affects about 25% of people aged 45 years and over (Arthritis UK, 2014). The NICE (2014) guidelines for osteoarthritis advocate ‘a therapeutic relationship based on shared decision-making’ and suggest that this approach
encourages self-management, reduces reliance on medication, and empowers people.
Aim: To explore the experience and perceptions of working age people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in relation to (i) treatment decision making, and (ii) self-management.
Methods: Semi structured interviews were conducted with 15 working age people with a symptomatic,radiographically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis. Recruitment targeted participants from different health service providers. Interviews took place between February and July 2015 and data were analysed using the
framework approach (Richie and Lewis, 2003). Initial findings were presented to a focus group for member checking (n=5).
Results: Participants felt their worlds were gradually shrinking, as worsening symptoms limited their ability to take part in previously enjoyed activities. They reported negative effects on health, work, social activities, and quality of
life. All participants required knee replacement surgery, but only two were currently on a waiting list. The others were considered ‘too young’
for surgery. They reported uncertainty about treatment decisions/self-management options.
Discussion: Participants received minimal support from health professionals. They were keen to access information for themselves but the lack of evidence base for many self-management options left them uncertain about the best
approach to take.
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in the UK with pain, stiffness, joint deformity and mobility problems having a substantial impact on quality of life (NICE, 2014). Although associated with the
elderly it affects about 25% of people aged 45 years and over (Arthritis UK, 2014). The NICE (2014) guidelines for osteoarthritis advocate ‘a therapeutic relationship based on shared decision-making’ and suggest that this approach
encourages self-management, reduces reliance on medication, and empowers people.
Aim: To explore the experience and perceptions of working age people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in relation to (i) treatment decision making, and (ii) self-management.
Methods: Semi structured interviews were conducted with 15 working age people with a symptomatic,radiographically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis. Recruitment targeted participants from different health service providers. Interviews took place between February and July 2015 and data were analysed using the
framework approach (Richie and Lewis, 2003). Initial findings were presented to a focus group for member checking (n=5).
Results: Participants felt their worlds were gradually shrinking, as worsening symptoms limited their ability to take part in previously enjoyed activities. They reported negative effects on health, work, social activities, and quality of
life. All participants required knee replacement surgery, but only two were currently on a waiting list. The others were considered ‘too young’
for surgery. They reported uncertainty about treatment decisions/self-management options.
Discussion: Participants received minimal support from health professionals. They were keen to access information for themselves but the lack of evidence base for many self-management options left them uncertain about the best
approach to take.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | RCN international nursing research conference 2016 |
| Subtitle of host publication | Book of Abstracts |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Apr 2016 |