A Physiotherapist-Led Education and Exercise Program from the Perspectives of Osteoarthritis Patients Awaiting Total Joint Arthroplasty and Healthcare Providers: An Interpretative Description Approach
Date
2024-09-16
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected. While surgical interventions such as total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are common, there are extensive surgical wait times, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-surgical management, including physiotherapist-led education and exercise programs, offers a promising alternative to alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a physiotherapist-led education and exercise program for OA patients awaiting TJA. The study also seeks to gather perspectives from both patients and healthcare providers to identify barriers and facilitators to program participation. Methods: Using an Interpretive Description (ID) approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 OA patients who completed the program, and survey responses were collected from 5 healthcare providers. Data were analyzed inductively to identify themes related to the feasibility and acceptability of the program. Results: Key findings indicate that patient participants experienced significant benefits, including improved physical health, increased knowledge about OA management, and enhanced confidence and quality of life. However, limited class availability, difficulty accessing the location, and potential financial barriers to continuing with the program were identified as potential obstacles. Patient participants suggested increasing the length of the program, incorporating more physiotherapists initially, focusing on balance exercises, and healthcare providers advocating for government financial support and increasing the availability to education and exercise programs. Conclusion: The physiotherapist-led education and exercise program is both feasible and acceptable, offering substantial benefits to OA patients. Addressing financial barriers, increasing accessibility, and enhancing program flexibility are critical to improving patient participation and outcomes. Future initiatives should consider these factors to make non-surgical OA management more accessible and inclusive.
Description
Keywords
Osteoarthritis, GLA:D, education and exercise program, non-surgical management
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Community Health and Epidemiology
Program
Community and Population Health Science