Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in adults (1). Symptoms of OA include pain, swelling, stiffness and trouble moving the affected joint. OA can affect any joint but is most common in the knees, hips, spine and small joints in the hands (2). With ageing populations and increasing rates of obesity and injury, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is expected to continue to increase globally. Being diagnosed early and following a treatment plan is the best way to slow the disease and optimize function (2). Supported self-management and in some cases, self-care are important ways of managing osteoarthritis. Education can help people learn to manage the physical and mental effects of osteoarthritis (2).

An international panel of patient representatives from Europe and the US evaluated the status of patient education in OA and considered several recommendations for future educational initiatives and materials for people living with this condition.

The international patient panel proposes practical recommendations for clear & customized information, accessible resources, support for navigating the information maze (e.g., signposting by healthcare professionals) and using AI supported engagement across multimedia channels. Content that is inclusive and addresses multifaceted care should be a priority. Information or tools to empower patients to holistically self-managed care and guidance for structured decision-making were additional aspects for consideration.

The results of the panel discussions are presented as a poster at EULAR 2024 on Thursday, 13 June 2024 in the PARE poster Tour II from 9:30 – 10:30 in Hall C by the first author Souzi Makri.

Join the oral poster presentation if you are onsite at the congress in Vienna!

You can download the poster here.

Here you can find the full overview of all collected materials on OA patient education.

Global

Europe

US

Please send an email to patientvoice@grunenthal.com for further feedback on the recommendations or if you can provide more good examples of OA patient education.

The project has been initiated and funded by Grünenthal GmbH.

More information about pain associated to osteoarthritis can be found at https://www.grunenthal.com/en/world-free-of-pain/pain-insights/key-pain-conditions/osteoarthritis.