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The following is a summary of “A mixed-methods study of patient and healthcare professional perceptions of care pathways for knee osteoarthritis,” published in the December 2024 issue of Primary Care by Mirt et al.
This study addressed the gap in understanding care pathways for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). It focused on patient and healthcare professional perspectives in Slovenia, a country with an inefficient health system.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine the perceptions of KOA care pathways in Slovenia.
They employed a mixed-methods approach, using quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 82 patients with KOA and 68 healthcare professionals.
The results showed that the care pathway for conservative KOA treatment in Slovenia begins with general practitioners (GPs), who received high satisfaction ratings (μ = 4.32). Orthopedic surgeons, with high satisfaction scores (μ = 4.47), confirm diagnoses and create treatment plans. Radiologists, consulted less frequently, received high satisfaction scores (μ = 4.67), while physiotherapists, consulted later, scored (μ = 4.16). Referrals to rheumatologists occur for systemic diseases or ineffective treatments. Psychologists, occupational therapists, and dieticians are rarely consulted. A comparison of health professionals’ involvement showed that GPs were considered less necessary by health professionals (μ = 2.47) than patients (μ = 2.82, P = 0.015), as were radiologists (μ = 2.47 vs μ = 2.87, P = 0.004). The qualitative investigation revealed an alternative care pathway, with orthopedic surgeons bypassing GPs as the initial contact due to long waiting times.
They identified gaps in the conservative KOA care pathway, including the lack of initial lifestyle advice and multidisciplinary involvement. The findings highlighted differences in perceptions, which should help optimize care pathways in Slovenia.
Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02690-0
